A Deliciously Spicy and Savory Recipe
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a spicy and sweet honey marinade, topped with creamy, savory feta cheese. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection and finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it delivers a balanced blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in an easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended to create a balanced sweet and spicy marinade.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more red pepper flakes for extra heat or extra honey for more sweetness.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best flavor, allow it to marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Prepare Feta Topping: In a small bowl, gently mix the crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade.
- Assemble Dish: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and spoon the feta mixture evenly over each piece.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta cheese is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes to get a nicely browned topping.
- Rest the Chicken: Once baked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare to Serve: Arrange a serving platter with your choice of greens or roasted vegetables and slice the lemon into wedges for serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken warm, drizzled with any remaining juices from the baking dish and accompanied by lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- You can serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or steamed greens for a complete meal.
- Broiling at the end gives the feta a delicious golden crust but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh lemon wedges for a bright burst of acidity to balance the richness of the feta and honey.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat feta cheese and adjust olive oil amounts accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with feta topping
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, feta chicken, spicy honey chicken, baked chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken dinner