EASY FETA CHICKEN WITH HOT HONEY

Imagine biting into juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, its crispy exterior giving way to a burst of tangy feta and a sweet-spicy kick from hot honey. This Feta Chicken With Hot Honey recipe is about to become your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners that feel incredibly gourmet, and I promise, it’s simpler than you think!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Hot Honey Feta Topping:

• 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon wedges
• Extra parsley

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s chat about the chicken. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces also helps with faster cooking and allows the chicken to really soak up all those delicious flavors. If you’re short on time, you can definitely use pre-cut chicken breast pieces. However, I find that cutting them myself gives me more control over the size and shape.

One of the secrets to truly amazing Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs or this Feta Chicken With Hot Honey is proper seasoning. Don’t skimp on the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper! These simple spices create a fantastic base flavor that complements the hot honey and feta perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Crafting the Hot Honey Feta Magic

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the hot honey feta topping. The combination of sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty is simply irresistible. If you’re not familiar with hot honey, it’s essentially honey infused with chili peppers. You can find it at most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own by simmering honey with a few dried chili peppers until infused. The crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element that balances the sweetness of the honey perfectly. Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten up the flavors and add a touch of freshness.

If you’re someone who loves an extra layer of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping. Just be careful not to overdo it, as the hot honey already provides a good amount of spice. Taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of feta cheese, too. A creamy, tangy feta works best in my opinion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey Feta Topping

1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the hot honey feta topping. In a small bowl, combine the hot honey, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Spoon the hot honey feta topping over the cooked chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated.
3. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Crispy Chicken Perfection

Want to take your Feta Chicken With Hot Honey to the next level? Here are a few tips for achieving crispy chicken perfection. First, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This will help the spices adhere better and promote browning. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Third, use a skillet that is large enough to accommodate all of the chicken in a single layer. A cast iron skillet works particularly well for achieving a nice sear.

Consider trying a breading for even more Recipes With Crispy Chicken! Lightly coating the chicken in flour or panko breadcrumbs before cooking will create a wonderfully crispy exterior. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions and Dinner Ideas Guests Friends

This Feta Chicken With Hot Honey is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s delicious on its own as a main course, or you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta. It also makes a fantastic topping for salads or wraps. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. You could also make a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

This dish is definitely impressive enough to serve when you have Dinner Ideas Guests Friends! For a party, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Serve it buffet-style with a variety of sides and toppings, so your guests can customize their own plates. This Honey Hot Feta Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your liking. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan feta alternative. If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can make your own by infusing regular honey with chili peppers. You can also adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the level of spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular honey and omit the chili peppers altogether.

For a healthier version of this dish, you can bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Simply toss the seasoned chicken with olive oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Then, top it with the hot honey feta mixture and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the feta is melted and bubbly.

Consider adding more veggies into this delicious and Easy Savory Meals. Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini would all be welcome additions.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious chicken recipes, I’ve got you covered! You might enjoy my Honey Garlic Chicken, or perhaps you’d like to try this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe as well. For a comforting and flavorful meal, try this Hot Honey Feta Chicken. And if you’re craving something with a touch of richness, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken Heaven. And last but not least, this Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce is always a hit!

Final Thoughts

This Feta Chicken With Hot Honey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. From the crispy chicken to the tangy feta and sweet-spicy hot honey, every bite is a culinary adventure. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound cooking skills. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Easy Feta Chicken with Hot Honey

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Easy Feta Chicken with Hot Honey recipe features juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey feta topping. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Large skillet
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup hot honey store-bought or homemade
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
• Lemon wedges for garnish
• Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
• Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the hot honey feta topping. In a small bowl, combine the hot honey, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
• Spoon the hot honey feta topping over the cooked chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated.
• Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier version. Substitute feta with goat cheese or mozzarella if preferred. For a dairy-free option, use vegan feta. Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.