Description
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce and topped with a tangy feta, herb, and lemon mixture. This recipe combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy texture for an unforgettable meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4-6 breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or your favorite) – adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Feta Topping
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it is an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Generously coat both sides of the pounded chicken breasts with this spice blend.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, ready for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Simmer Sauce: Heat over medium heat until the mixture gently simmers. Stir occasionally and cook for 2-3 minutes until the honey is slightly thinned and flavors meld together.
- Adjust Sauce Flavor: Taste the hot honey and increase hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want more spice, balancing to your preference.
- Mix Feta Topping: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, chopped parsley, chopped chives, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season Feta Mixture: Mix well and taste. Adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice as needed for brightness and seasoning.
- Slice the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices for tender bites.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Add Feta Topping: Spoon the feta herb mixture evenly over the hot honey-coated chicken slices for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Garnish: Decorate with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for heat, and lemon wedges for added zing.
- Serve: Serve immediately. This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to match your preferred spice level.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain juices and improves flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best brightness in the feta topping.
- Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or grain bowls for a balanced meal.
