Save
This Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken is my answer to busy nights when I want maximum flavor with little fuss. The spicy honey pairs with feta and fresh thyme for a dinner that feels special but comes together in under thirty minutes. Whether I am hosting friends or just need something exciting for Wednesday dinner this recipe never disappoints.
The first time I made this I was blown away by how the honey and feta melt together and my family practically licked their plates clean. Now it is a top request on hectic weeknights.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: make the dish juicy and satisfying choose breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly
- Hot honey: brings the signature sweet heat and you can buy it or make your own
- Crumbled feta cheese: adds tang and creaminess choose a feta block in brine and crumble it fresh for best texture
- Fresh thyme leaves: give a bright herbal finish look for vibrant green sprigs with a strong aroma
- Garlic powder: delivers earthy flavor without fuss choose a fresh jar for best taste
- Smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness and deep color opt for Spanish smoked paprika for extra complexity
- Olive oil: ensures a good sear and carries flavor try extra virgin for a richer result
- Salt: is essential to balance the sweet and spicy notes use sea salt for a cleaner flavor
- Black pepper: brings warmth and depth grind it fresh if you can
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and even browning
- Season and Oil:
- Rub each chicken breast thoroughly with olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper making sure to coat both sides evenly
- Sear on Stovetop:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high add a swirl of olive oil and when hot lay the chicken breasts down spacing them out do not move them while they brown allow three to four minutes per side until each is golden
- Add Hot Honey:
- Reduce the heat to low and drizzle hot honey directly over the chicken use a spoon to baste and let the honey sizzle for one to two minutes creating a sticky glaze
- Bake in Oven:
- Move the skillet into your preheated oven set to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and bake the chicken for ten to twelve minutes until it reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit at the center this will keep the chicken juicy
- Finish and Rest:
- Remove the skillet carefully top the chicken with crumbled feta and fresh thyme let it rest for five minutes as the cheese softens into the glaze
- Serve:
- Slice and plate the chicken making sure to scoop up the sticky honey feta topping for each serving
Save
I always reach for feta that comes packed in brine because it stays extra creamy and flavorful. One night after a big family walk we all crowded into the kitchen still rosy from the fresh air and this dish disappeared before I had even set down the napkins.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat place in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to keep it moist. Leftover feta will blend into the glaze for even more flavor the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap hot honey with plain honey plus a pinch of red pepper flakes if you cannot find the premade version. Goat cheese works as a tangy alternative to feta and fresh oregano can stand in for thyme if that is what you have.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with fluffy couscous or a bright green salad for a fresh counterpoint to the sticky glaze. Roasted vegetables or rice pilaf also pair well to round out your plate.
Cultural or Historical Context
Sweet and spicy honey glazes have long been popular in Mediterranean cooking often paired with salty cheeses like feta to balance bold flavors. This recipe brings in those classic pairings but gives it a modern shortcut for weeknight ease.
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy is the hot honey chicken?
The heat level depends on your hot honey—add more or less to suit your preference. You can even add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- → Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, try goat cheese, queso fresco, or even blue cheese for a different creamy, tangy finish.
- → What’s the purpose of letting the chicken rest?
Allowing the chicken to rest helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- → Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
An oven-safe skillet streamlines the process, but you can transfer chicken to a baking dish if needed after searing.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
- → What pairs well with this hot honey feta chicken?
Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or lemony couscous for a flavorful meal.