Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s weeknight-easy yet absolutely bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs, a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, and creamy, tangy feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired main course that’s as impressive as it is simple. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests but is unfussy enough for a cozy night in, and trust me, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hot Honey Feta Chicken is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly memorable. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture for that irresistible final bite.

  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy and bring rich flavor—perfect for soaking up the sauce.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy finish that melts beautifully over the hot chicken.
  • Hot Honey: This sweet-and-spicy glaze is the star—use store-bought or simply mix honey with your favorite hot sauce for a custom kick.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the sauce coat every inch of chicken evenly.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory depth and aroma.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens everything up and balances the sweetness.
  • Smoked Paprika: Brings smoky warmth and gorgeous color to the glaze.
  • Dried Oregano: Adds herbal notes that nod to the Mediterranean roots of this dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch more heat for those who like their Hot Honey Feta Chicken extra zippy.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out all the flavors.
  • Chopped Parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that makes the finished plate pop.

How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats up, take a moment to gather your ingredients and pat the chicken thighs dry—this helps the glaze stick and encourages a beautiful bake. Having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process feel effortless.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the hot honey (or honey plus hot sauce), olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir it all together until you have a glossy, fragrant marinade. This mixture is pure magic—it’s what turns humble chicken into Hot Honey Feta Chicken!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top. Use your hands or tongs to turn the thighs, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. The spices and honey will cling to the chicken, promising loads of flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken will become golden and caramelized as it cooks, with the sauce bubbling away underneath. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the kitchen smells absolutely amazing.

Step 5: Add the Feta

In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven so the cheese can soften and melt just slightly, becoming creamy and irresistible without losing its signature tang.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, spoon a little of the pan sauce over each piece for extra flavor. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. Your Hot Honey Feta Chicken is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a little extra crumbled feta, a squeeze of lemon, or even a drizzle of hot honey right before serving for more color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic with fluffy rice, nutty couscous, or a pile of roasted vegetables. The pan sauce begs to be soaked up, so don’t shy away from a little crusty bread on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a big Greek salad, or tuck it into warm pita bread with crisp veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. Hot Honey Feta Chicken is also delicious atop a grain bowl for a vibrant lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hot Honey Feta Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without the parsley garnish) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, but the oven helps keep everything juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but watch the cooking time closely, as breasts can dry out more quickly than thighs. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.

What if I don’t have hot honey?

No hot honey on hand? No problem! Simply mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes until you reach your desired level of heat.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes! Hot Honey Feta Chicken is delicious on the grill. Marinate the chicken as directed, then grill over medium heat until cooked through. Sprinkle the feta on during the last few minutes, and let it warm as the chicken finishes cooking.

Is Hot Honey Feta Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your specific brands of feta and hot sauce to be sure.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead (or even overnight) to build extra flavor, then bake just before serving for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to break out of your usual dinner routine, Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect place to start. It’s easy, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to win over anyone who tries it. Give it a go—you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation in no time!

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Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 7 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs baked with a spicy and sweet hot honey glaze, accented by garlic, smoked paprika, and a tangy lemon juice. Finished with creamy crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this Mediterranean-American dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey plus 12 teaspoons hot sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to bake the chicken perfectly tender and flavorful.
  2. Prepare the Hot Honey Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the hot honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a balanced sweet and spicy marinade.
  3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Place the thighs in a baking dish, then pour the hot honey mixture over them. Turn the chicken pieces to coat evenly with the marinade for maximum flavor.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Add Feta Cheese: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven to gently warm and slightly melt the cheese without overcooking.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon some of the flavorful pan sauce over the pieces. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herby touch. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • You can make your own hot honey by mixing regular honey with a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
  • This dish pairs excellently with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
  • For a milder option, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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