Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luscious hot honey sauce with crumbled feta cheese, creating an irresistible combination enhanced by fresh herbs and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4 medium-sized
- 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
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices before slicing.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the Feta: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese until combined with the hot honey sauce.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips to maintain tenderness.
- Pour the Sauce: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter or plates. Spoon the hot honey feta sauce evenly over each piece.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes on top if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
- Using the same skillet for the sauce adds depth of flavor by incorporating browned bits.
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps keep it juicy.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
