Hot Honey Feta Chicken Dish: A Deliciously Spicy and Savory Recipe
Introduction
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty honey and vinegar blend, then baked with a creamy feta topping for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Step 2: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more red pepper flakes for extra spice or honey for sweetness.
- Step 3: Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Step 7: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta is golden and bubbly. For extra color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
- Step 9: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven.
- Step 10: Prepare your serving platter with greens or roasted vegetables and lemon wedges. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, drizzled with any juices from the baking dish.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Try grilling the chicken for a smoky twist, but watch the feta carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or sharp cheddar to change up the flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, being careful not to dry out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged ingredients like feta or vinegar to be sure.
PrintHot Honey Feta Chicken Dish: A Deliciously Spicy and Savory Recipe
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with tender baked chicken breasts topped with a rich feta cheese mixture. Infused with a vibrant marinade of honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, this dish is a deliciously easy meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
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 and Garnish
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well blended. Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more red pepper flakes for extra spice or honey for additional sweetness.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Make the Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and set aside to let the flavors meld while the chicken marinates.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Feta and Bake: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the feta topping is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a more golden crust on the feta.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. Prepare your serving platter with your choice of greens or roasted vegetables, slice the lemon into wedges, and garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, drizzled with any remaining juices from the baking dish.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to intensify the taste.
- Grilling the chicken instead of baking can add a smoky element; watch the feta carefully to avoid burning.
- Try substituting different cheeses like goat cheese or sharp cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
Keywords: hot honey feta chicken, spicy chicken recipe, baked feta chicken, honey marinated chicken, Mediterranean chicken dish
