Description
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, topped with a creamy, tangy feta herb mixture. This recipe combines a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness for an irresistible weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4–6 breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or your favorite), adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Feta Herb Topping
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Generously season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with this spice mixture.
- Heat the Skillet: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes; this helps retain juices and enhances tenderness.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture slightly thins and the flavors meld.
- Adjust Sauce Seasoning: Taste the hot honey sauce and add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat or balance according to your preference.
- Prepare the Feta Topping: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, chopped parsley, chopped chives, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix gently until well blended.
- Season the Feta Topping: Taste and adjust the feta topping by adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice for more tang if needed.
- Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken breasts against the grain into approximately 1/2-inch thick slices for tenderness and ease of eating.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving plate or individual plates. Generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the slices, coating them evenly.
- Add Feta Topping: Spoon the feta herb mixture over the honey-glazed chicken slices, distributing it so each piece is topped.
- Garnish: Decorate the dish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for heat, and lemon wedges for added zest.
- Serve: Serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp fresh salad.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- Resting the chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs if desired, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta topping or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hot Honey Feta Chicken, Spicy Honey Chicken, Feta Topped Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Skillet Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Flavorful Chicken
