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Hot Honey Feta Chicken – A Flavor Explosion

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary flavor bomb — this Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe is where spicy heat meets creamy tang and sweet golden drizzle. With tender chicken breasts topped with crumbled feta and a homemade hot honey glaze, this dish is equal parts bold, savory, and mouthwateringly addictive. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors with a Southern twist, this recipe delivers an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something from a restaurant. The contrast between spicy honey and salty feta gives the chicken an unforgettable sweet-heat finish, making it perfect for wraps, bowls, salads, or served straight from the pan. Craving more hot honey inspiration? Explore this spicy-sweet recipe collection on Bon Appétit and see how versatile this trend truly is.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5–2 lbs total
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🧀 Feta Topping
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or more to taste
🍯 Hot Honey Glaze
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 –2 teaspoons hot sauce adjust to taste — Frank’s RedHot or chili flakes both work
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional for brightness
🔥 Tip: Want it hotter? Add more red pepper flakes or swap honey for chili crisp oil!

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan
  • Small saucepan (for hot honey)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Foil (optional for resting)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Season
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 3: Bake to Finish
  1. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey
  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until well combined. Do not boil.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
  1. Plate the chicken and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta.
  2. Drizzle the warm hot honey over the top.
  3. Finish with lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired (thyme or parsley work beautifully).
🍋 Pro Tip: Let some of the hot honey pool around the chicken for extra dipping sauce!

    Notes

    🧊 Storage & Reheating
    Refrigerator
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    Freezer
    Freeze cooked chicken (without hot honey) for up to 3 months.
    Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
    Reheating
    Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
    Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, and drizzle with fresh hot honey before serving.
    🥄 Variations
    🍊 Citrus Hot Honey Chicken: Add orange zest and juice for a sweet-tangy twist.
    🧄 Garlic-Herb Feta Chicken: Mix minced garlic and fresh thyme into the feta before topping.
    🫑 Mediterranean Bowl: Serve over couscous or quinoa with cucumbers, olives, and tzatziki.
    🌮 Hot Honey Chicken Tacos: Shred leftovers for spicy feta chicken tacos.
    🧇 Chicken & Waffles: Serve over waffles with a drizzle of extra hot honey for brunch bliss.
    Want more feta-forward meals? Check out these mouthwatering feta recipes from Food Network.
    ❓ 10 FAQs
    1. What kind of feta should I use?
    Use crumbled full-fat feta for the creamiest, most flavorful results.
    2. Can I use chicken thighs?
    Absolutely — boneless thighs work beautifully. Adjust bake time to 18–20 minutes.
    3. How spicy is hot honey?
    You control the heat! Start mild and add more chili flakes or hot sauce as desired.
    4. Is this dish gluten-free?
    Yes, as long as your hot sauce is certified gluten-free.
    5. Can I make this ahead?
    Yes! Cook the chicken ahead and store the hot honey separately. Reheat and assemble when ready.
    6. What sides go well with this?
    Try roasted potatoes, couscous, salad, or grilled veggies.
    7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
    Yes, but warm it gently and apply feta + hot honey right before serving.
    8. Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
    Sure! Goat cheese offers a tangy, creamy alternative that pairs well with hot honey.
    9. Can I grill the chicken instead?
    Yes! Grill for 5–7 minutes per side and follow the same topping method.
    10. Can I double the hot honey?
    Definitely. You’ll want extra for drizzling, dipping, and maybe even for your pizza or roasted veggies!
    🏁 Conclusion
    This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect storm of bold, crave-worthy flavors — smoky paprika, tender chicken, tangy feta, and sweet-spicy hot honey. It's the kind of dish that sounds fancy but is secretly simple to make.
    Whether you're serving it as a quick dinner or showing off at your next dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to wow everyone at the table. It’s spicy, savory, creamy, and sweet — all the best things in one bite!