This Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty dish that brings sweet and spicy together. Juicy chicken is topped with creamy feta and drizzled with hot honey. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for quick cooking. If you’re short on time, feel free to use thinly cut chicken cutlets instead.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy tanginess. If you’re not a feta fan, goat cheese or even ricotta can work well for a similar texture.
Hot Honey: This is what adds the unique flavor! You can make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes. You can also try sriracha honey for extra heat or maple syrup if you prefer something milder.
Smoked Paprika: It gives a nice depth of flavor. Regular paprika works, but if you want more smokiness, add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How Do You Properly Sear Chicken?
Searing the chicken is key for a nice, crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better.
- Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
After searing, removing the skillet from the heat before adding other ingredients ensures everything cooks evenly and keeps the chicken juicy!
Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade by mixing honey with chili flakes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in just 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice golden color.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take those chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This adds flavor to the chicken before it even hits the skillet!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In an ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step gives the chicken a delicious crust.
4. Add Garlic:
Remove the skillet from the heat after searing and sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken. The residual heat will soften the garlic without burning it.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Top with Feta and Honey:
Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta over the hot chicken. Then drizzle the hot honey and fresh lemon juice evenly over everything. This step is where the magic happens!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish it off by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy hot honey feta chicken! It’s a fantastic dish that will impress your family and friends! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, typically around 20-25 minutes, to reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Make Homemade Hot Honey?
Making homemade hot honey is easy! Just combine 1 cup of honey with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat for about 5 minutes, then let it cool. Strain if desired, and it’s ready to use!
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or over a bed of rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious sauce. Garlic bread or pasta also make great accompaniments!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
