This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal, blending sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into one incredibly simple and satisfying dish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a truly memorable chicken dinner that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy.
My adventurous sister, Jennifer, was the inspiration behind this meal. She called me one evening, buzzing about a sweet and spicy glaze she’d tried. This recipe is a nod to her, a little bold, a little sweet, and full of joy, just like her.
What Makes This Chicken So Special
- The Flavor: It’s a delightful balance of sweet from the honey, a kick from the hot sauce, and a savory, salty finish from the feta.
- The Simplicity: This is a true one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights with only 10 minutes of prep time.
- It’s So Versatile: It serves beautifully with a variety of sides, from simple salads to hearty grains.
- A Guaranteed Hit: The unique and delicious flavor combination is always a favorite for family dinners or when we have guests over.
My Kitchen Helpers for This Recipe
A Trusty Baking Dish
I find that a good ceramic or glass baking dish works wonders here, as it cooks the chicken so evenly and holds the heat beautifully.
A Handy Little Whisk
A small whisk is my secret weapon for getting the honey, hot sauce, and vinegar to combine into a perfectly smooth glaze.
Everything You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Let’s Get Cooking, Step by Step
First, a Little Preparation
First, get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your baking dish. Getting everything ready first makes the whole process feel so calm and easy. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then nestle them into your prepared dish.
Whipping Up the Sweet & Spicy Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until it’s lovely and smooth. This is where the magic starts! Don’t be afraid to give it a little taste and adjust the hot sauce to your liking.
Into the Oven It Goes
Gently pour that beautiful glaze all over the chicken. I like to make sure each piece gets a generous coating. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The smell that will fill your kitchen is just heavenly.
My Secret to a Perfect Caramelized Top
About halfway through the baking time, pull the dish out for a moment and spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the dish back over the chicken. This little step is the key to a perfectly caramelized and flavorful crust.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbling, carefully remove it from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta and fresh parsley over the top. The heat from the chicken will soften the cheese just slightly.
The Hardest Part: Letting It Rest
This is so important! Let the chicken rest in the dish for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and delicious.
A Quick Note on Nutritional Info
Please note that the nutritional information provided (365 kcal per serving) is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. It’s intended as a helpful guideline for your meal planning.
A Few Ideas for a Lighter Dish
- For Less Sugar: For a lower-sugar version, you can substitute the honey with a sugar-free honey alternative or reduce the amount of honey used by a tablespoon or two.
- For a Lighter Cheese: If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use a reduced-fat feta cheese or simply use a smaller amount. The flavor is so powerful that a little goes a long way!
- Trying Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are lean, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used and often stay more moist during baking.
How We Love to Serve It
- With Roasted Vegetables: This chicken is wonderful alongside some simple roasted broccoli or asparagus. The savory veggies cut through the richness of the glaze perfectly.
- Over Grains: Serve the chicken and its delicious pan sauce over a bed of fluffy quinoa, couscous, or brown rice to soak up every last drop.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a lovely, light counterpoint to the sweet and spicy chicken.
A Few of My Gentle Reminders
- Watch the Chicken Closely: To avoid dry chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I always check it right at the 25-minute mark.
- Don’t Skip the Basting Step: Basting is crucial for building that sticky, caramelized glaze. Without it, the top of the chicken can dry out while the sauce stays thin at the bottom of the dish.
- Patience is Key: Slicing into the chicken immediately after it comes out of the oven will cause all the wonderful juices to run out. Let it rest for a few minutes to ensure it’s perfectly tender.
How to Store Your Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I suggest warming it gently in the oven or a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There is something so special about a meal that comes together quickly but tastes like it took hours. This recipe is one of those gems. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy it, filling your home with warmth and laughter. May it help you create beautiful memories, just as it has for my family and me.
A Few Questions You Might Have
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious. They may require a few extra minutes of baking time, so just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is easily adjustable. The recipe calls for a moderate amount of hot sauce, but you can add more for a bigger kick or use less (or a milder hot sauce) if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can do some prep in advance. You can season the chicken and whisk the glaze together, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble and bake as directed.
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Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal, blending sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into one incredibly simple and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then place them in the prepared dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pour glaze over chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with glaze halfway through for caramelization.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, feta chicken, baked chicken, weeknight dinner