Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Hot Honey Feta Chicken because it brings together such a perfect combination of flavors. The honey glaze provides sweetness, while the chili flakes add just the right amount of heat. The tangy feta cheese balances everything out with its creaminess, and the chicken itself is juicy, tender, and bursting with spices. It’s a great dish for any occasion and pairs well with rice, couscous, flatbreads, or roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s simple to make in under 40 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

¼ cup honey

1–2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

1 tbsp butter or olive oil

1 garlic clove, finely minced

Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat

For Garnish:

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Fresh parsley or mint, chopped

Lemon zest or juice

Optional: toasted sesame seeds or extra chili flakes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Coat with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Let the chicken sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate (or up to 1 hour if refrigerating).

2. Cook the Chicken

Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side (for thighs) or 4–5 minutes per side (for breasts), until fully cooked.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes.

3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, chili flakes, butter (or olive oil), garlic, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice).

Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Adjust spice levels with more chili flakes or cayenne pepper, if desired.

4. Assemble and Finish

Pour the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken.

Top with crumbled feta cheese. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the feta slightly melts into the chicken.

Garnish with fresh parsley or mint, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and optional sesame seeds or additional chili flakes.

5. Serve

Serve the Hot Honey Feta Chicken with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or warm flatbread.

Spoon extra sauce over the sides for maximum flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people with 6 skewers. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is 25 minutes, bringing the total time to about 40 minutes.

Variations

Extra Heat: If you like your chicken spicier, increase the amount of chili flakes or add cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for shrimp or pork to create a different protein variation of the dish.

Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or chicken broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts will work just fine. They might cook a little faster than thighs, so be sure to check the internal temperature (165°F) to avoid overcooking.

Can I use store-bought hot sauce instead of making the hot honey sauce?

Yes, you can use your favorite hot sauce in place of the homemade hot honey sauce. Just be sure to balance it with a bit of honey for sweetness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time (up to 1 hour) and prepare the hot honey sauce in advance. Just reheat the sauce before serving and cook the chicken when ready.

Can I make this recipe spicy without the honey?

Yes, you can omit the honey and make the sauce spicier by adding more chili flakes, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce.

Can I serve this with something other than feta cheese?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavor-packed, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the best of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish is sure to be a hit. Serve it with rice, couscous, or veggies, and enjoy the bold and satisfying flavors with every bite!

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