Description
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner dish featuring juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts topped with tangy feta cheese, sweet honey, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh lemon slices and optional parsley garnish, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lemon, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until each side is golden brown. This step seals in juices and adds flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to distribute the garlic and spice evenly.
- Top Chicken: Evenly spread the feta mixture over each chicken breast, pressing lightly to make it adhere properly.
- Add Lemon Slices: Arrange thin lemon slices over the feta-topped chicken breasts to add brightness and a citrusy aroma during baking.
- Drizzle Honey: Generously drizzle honey over each chicken breast, allowing the honey to flow over the feta and lemons, balancing the savory and spicy flavors with sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the feta cheese is slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve hot, enjoying the perfect blend of sweet honey, tangy feta, spicy red pepper flakes, and juicy chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control the level of spiciness.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to brown the feta further, if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean