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For the perfect Hot Honey Feta Chicken, gather these simple items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust according to your preferred spice level) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for a zesty finish To make your dish even better, consider adding: - Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano - A splash of lemon juice for added zest - Sliced olives for a briny kick - A sprinkle of nuts for crunch Craft your own hot honey at home with just two ingredients: 1. Combine 1 cup of honey with 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili flakes in a small pot. 2. Warm the mixture over low heat. Stir until the chili flakes blend well into the honey. 3. Let it cool before using. This method gives you the perfect blend of sweet and spicy! Making your own hot honey allows you to control the heat. Adjust the chili flakes based on how spicy you want it. This personal touch can elevate your Hot Honey Feta Chicken even more. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up your kitchen and gets it ready for the chicken. Next, grab a small bowl. In it, mix the hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This mixture will be your flavorful marinade. Now, take a baking dish and place the chicken breasts inside. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken. This keeps it moist and helps the flavors stick. Then, pour the hot honey marinade over the chicken. Use a spoon to spread it evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated nicely. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the marinated chicken. Each breast should get a good layer of cheese to melt and create a tasty crust. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. This ensures it is safe to eat and juicy. After baking, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Be cautious, as it will be hot. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Resting helps the juices stay locked in, making each bite tender. Before serving, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Serve the chicken with lemon wedges on the side. Encourage your guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their portions. This adds a zesty twist that brightens the dish. For presentation, use a wooden cutting board or a colorful platter. Place the lemon wedges neatly beside the chicken. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top will make it look even more appealing. Enjoy your meal! To keep chicken juicy, brining can be key. Simple brine is water, salt, and sugar. Let chicken soak for 30 minutes before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking your chicken. Use a meat thermometer for perfect timing. Aim for 165°F inside. Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps it stay moist and tasty. To adjust the spice level, change the chili flakes. Use less for milder heat or more for a kick. You can also swap hot honey with regular honey. For an extra punch, add a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to hit the perfect balance. Pair your hot honey feta chicken with fresh sides. Consider these options: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Roasted vegetables - Couscous with herbs These sides complement the chicken's sweet and spicy flavors well. Enjoy mixing and matching! Pro Tips Marinade Time: For an even bolder flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Feta Variations: Try using different types of feta, such as herbed or aged, to add unique flavor profiles to your dish. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the chicken. Cheese Substitution: If you prefer a creamier texture, consider substituting feta with goat cheese or a spreadable cheese. {{image_4}} You can easily switch to grilling for a smoky flavor. Start by marinating the chicken as usual. Then, heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The grilling adds a nice char and enhances the taste. Feta cheese is great, but you can try others! Goat cheese gives a tangy twist. Mozzarella melts beautifully, adding creaminess. For a bolder flavor, use blue cheese. Each choice changes the meal, making it fun to experiment. Just remember to adjust the amount if the cheese is stronger or milder. This dish is already gluten-free! Just check your hot honey to ensure it is free from gluten. Serve it with gluten-free sides like quinoa or rice. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. This makes for a light and healthy dinner option without sacrificing flavor. After you enjoy your hot honey feta chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out the chicken a bit. If you freeze the hot honey feta chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Hot honey is honey infused with spice. It adds sweetness and heat to dishes. You can buy it or make it at home. To make hot honey, combine honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Heat it gently to blend the flavors. Strain the mixture to remove solids. This gives you a smooth, spicy honey treat. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. Thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it. Cooked chicken can last in the fridge for up to four days. Divide it into containers for easy meals. Add your favorite sides, and you’ll have quick lunches or dinners ready to go. This recipe for Hot Honey Feta Chicken covers key ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned about optional flavors and homemade hot honey. I explained how to bake chicken for juicy results and suggested tasty side dishes. With these variations, you can customize your dish to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Enjoy trying this recipe; it offers great flavor and fun cooking options. Happy cooking!

Spicy Honey Feta Chicken

A flavorful chicken dish marinated with hot honey, garlic, and spices, topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 0.25 cup hot honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until you have a harmonious marinade.
  • Take a baking dish and place the chicken breasts inside. Drizzle the olive oil over them, ensuring that each breast is thoroughly coated to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
  • Next, pour the prepared hot honey marinade over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the marinade evenly, so that every piece of chicken is well-covered.
  • Generously sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the marinated chicken, ensuring that each breast gets a lovely layer of cheese.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and it is no longer pink in the center.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps to retain moisture.
  • Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Present the chicken with lemon wedges on the side, inviting diners to drizzle fresh lemon juice over their portions for an appetizing zing.

Notes

Serve on a wooden cutting board or colorful platter with lemon wedges for added zest.
Keyword baked, chicken, feta, honey, spicy