Hot Honey Feta Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that come together in one irresistible dish. This recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with a rich hot honey and feta sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

Three pieces of glazed chicken breasts are arranged side by side in a white dish filled with a dark, glossy sauce that pools around the chicken. Each chicken breast has a golden-brown caramelized surface with visible charred spots and bits of garlic. Crumbled blue cheese with white and blue-green patches is sprinkled on top of the chicken, adding a rough texture. A small fresh thyme sprig with green leaves is placed on the piece closest to the front. The background has a soft focus, showing a blurred white bowl and some green herbs on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring even coating.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, loosely tented with foil to keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove skillet from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese.
  8. Step 8: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips.
  9. Step 9: Arrange sliced chicken on a platter or plates and pour the hot honey feta sauce over, coating each piece.
  10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Use Greek yogurt as a side dip to balance the spiciness with creaminess.
  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
  • Serve over rice or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

How to Serve

Three grilled chicken breasts are placed side by side in a white bowl, each piece covered with small chunks of white and blue-veined cheese sprinkled on top. The chicken has a shiny, caramelized golden-brown crust with visible grill marks and a glaze that reflects light. A sprig of fresh green thyme rests on the chicken closest to the front, adding a touch of green. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the blurred background, another white bowl with a light food item is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier and may require slightly different cooking times, usually a bit longer to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is the cayenne pepper necessary?

The cayenne pepper is optional and adds extra heat. If you prefer a milder dish, you can leave it out without affecting the overall flavor dramatically.

Print
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Hot Honey Feta Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe


  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Hot Honey Feta Chicken offers a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and topped with a luscious hot honey, feta, and garlic sauce. This easy skillet recipe delivers an impressive meal perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or favorite brand)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  4. Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, loosely tented with foil, to retain juices before slicing.
  5. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Simmer the Sauce: Add honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add the Feta: Remove skillet from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese until it starts to melt into the sauce.
  8. Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips for tenderness.
  9. Pour the Sauce: Arrange sliced chicken on plates or a serving platter and generously pour the hot honey feta sauce over the top.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes over the dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness is key.
  • The cayenne pepper is optional; omit or adjust for preferred spice level.
  • Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a tangier profile if desired.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for best searing results.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hot honey feta chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, seared chicken breasts, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken recipe, honey hot sauce chicken, feta cheese chicken

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