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 1–2 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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to bake the chicken perfectly tender and flavorful.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
