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.

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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, loosely tented with foil to keep warm.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour in honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 7: Remove skillet from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 8: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips.
- Step 9: Arrange sliced chicken on a platter or plates and pour the hot honey feta sauce over, coating each piece.
- 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

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.
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Hot Honey Feta Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, loosely tented with foil, to retain juices before slicing.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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.
- Add the Feta: Remove skillet from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese until it starts to melt into the sauce.
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips for tenderness.
- Pour the Sauce: Arrange sliced chicken on plates or a serving platter and generously pour the hot honey feta sauce over the top.
- 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

