Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe blends the sweetness of honey with spicy red pepper flakes and the savory flavor of crumbled feta cheese for a deliciously balanced dish. Perfectly marinated and oven-baked, it offers a spicy, tangy, and creamy experience that pairs wonderfully with greens or roasted vegetables, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Feta Topping
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until the mixture is well blended.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add extra red pepper flakes for more spice or additional honey for sweetness according to your preference.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though 2 to 4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.
- Prepare Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until combined and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade allowing excess to drip off, then discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Top with Feta: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering them generously.
- Bake: Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the feta cheese on top is golden and bubbly. For extra color, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare to Serve: Arrange a serving platter with fresh greens or roasted vegetables. Slice the lemon into wedges for serving alongside the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the hot honey feta chicken with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with any remaining juices from the baking dish. Serve warm with lemon wedges for an added zesty touch.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours, but at least 30 minutes will work in a pinch.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- The feta topping can be prepared ahead of time to save on prep during cooking.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely golden finish to the feta.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or over rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with feta topping
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, feta chicken, spicy chicken recipe, baked chicken with honey, Mediterranean chicken dish, spicy feta chicken
