Hot Honey Feta Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together the fiery sweetness of hot honey, the creamy tang of crumbled feta, and the juicy savoriness of seared or baked chicken. This flavorful recipe feels luxurious without being complicated and works beautifully with everything from simple grains to vibrant vegetables or warm flatbreads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish delivers a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory with minimal effort. The chicken turns out tender and packed with flavor, while the hot honey adds a gentle heat balanced by tangy feta. It’s quick to prepare and flexible enough for different tastes and occasions—making it a weeknight hero or a show-stopping centerpiece for guests.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Hot Honey Sauce
¼ cup honey
1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
For Garnish and Finishing
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Lemon zest or juice
Toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken
I start by patting the chicken dry and placing it in a bowl. I drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then rub in all the spices. Letting it marinate for 10–15 minutes adds a deeper flavor, though an hour in the fridge works great too. -
Sear or Bake the Chicken
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Stovetop: I heat a skillet over medium-high, add a splash of oil, and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side (thighs) or 4–5 minutes (breasts) until golden and cooked through.
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Oven: I preheat to 400°F, arrange chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until the internal temp hits 165°F.
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Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, I combine honey, chili flakes, butter/olive oil, garlic, and vinegar. I heat it gently until fragrant, then adjust the heat to taste. -
Assemble and Finish
I pour the hot honey over the cooked chicken, then top with crumbled feta. After a few minutes, the feta softens beautifully. I finish with chopped herbs, lemon zest, and optional seeds or chili flakes. -
Serve
I plate it up with a generous spoonful of sauce and serve with sides like rice, potatoes, or flatbreads. Any leftover sauce goes great over vegetables or grains.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with sauce
Calories per serving: 420 kcal
Variations
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Garlic Herb Feta Chicken: I add fresh oregano or thyme to the marinade and use a lemon-infused honey.
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Hot Honey Goat Cheese Chicken: I switch out feta for creamy goat cheese.
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Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken: I stir a bit of BBQ sauce into the honey for smoky depth.
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Vegetarian Option: I swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or tofu.
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Casserole Style: I bake the seasoned chicken in a dish, cover with sauce and feta, and bake until bubbly.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator
I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it in the oven or a skillet with a spoonful of water or broth to keep the sauce loose.
Freezer
Cooked chicken (without feta) freezes well for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight and reheat, then add fresh feta before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, I like slicing and warming it in the sauce, then topping with feta and baking briefly to blend the flavors.
What if I don’t have chili flakes?
I use hot sauce, cayenne, or store-bought hot honey for the spicy element if I’m out of flakes.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely—I just skip the feta or use a dairy-free version. The hot honey stands strong on its own.
What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?
I start mild with ½ teaspoon chili flakes and increase gradually. Adding extra hot honey on the side helps balance heat individually.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, I often marinate the chicken and make the sauce ahead. Cooking it fresh makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is one of those recipes I keep returning to—it’s bold, quick, and endlessly versatile. Whether I’m in the mood for something comforting or need a standout dish for guests, this hits the mark every time. The combination of spicy honey, juicy chicken, and creamy feta never disappoints.
