Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken Recipe
This Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken recipe combines the sweet heat of hot honey with the tangy creaminess of crumbled feta cheese for a deliciously balanced dish. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared to golden perfection, then baked while glazed with spicy honey. Finished with fresh thyme, this dish offers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Honey and Toppings
- 3 tablespoons hot honey
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure a good sear and even seasoning application.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on all sides, massaging the spices into the meat.
- Heat the skillet: Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Drizzle hot honey: Lower the heat to medium-low and drizzle the hot honey evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse sweetness and spice.
- Baste the chicken: Using a spoon, baste the chicken with the bubbling hot honey for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the honey to slightly caramelize.
- Transfer to oven: Move the skillet carefully to a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C) to finish cooking the chicken through.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked and juicy.
- Add feta and thyme: Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately top the chicken breasts with crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves to add a creamy, herbal element.
- Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have hot honey, combine regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes as a substitute.
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry completely before seasoning and searing.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it moist and tender.
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Feta Chicken, Spicy Honey Chicken, Oven-Baked Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Weeknight Chicken