Hot Honey Feta Chicken: Easy Sweet & Spicy Dinner Delight Recipe
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish combining juicy marinated chicken thighs or breasts with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, topped with tangy crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Serve alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Can substitute with shrimp or tofu)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Use smoked paprika for more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can also be used)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Shallots can be used as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (Adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup Honey (Can substitute with maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Adjust to preference)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (Lemon juice can be used instead)
- 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil (Coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced; powdered garlic can be used)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Can substitute with low-fat feta or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Mint (Use any soft herbs available)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest or Juice (Extra zest elevates flavor)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds/Extra Chili Flakes (Optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to an hour to enhance flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet, searing each piece for about 5-6 minutes per thigh side or 4-5 minutes per breast side. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, transfer chicken to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes for oven-baked option.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, chili flakes, butter or olive oil, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is fragrant and well blended.
- Assemble and Finish: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top while still hot to allow slight melting. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint, and optionally add toasted sesame seeds or extra chili flakes for additional texture and flavor.
- Serve: Plate the Hot Honey Feta Chicken alongside fluffy rice or roasted vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the dish as desired and enjoy this sweet, spicy, and savory meal.
Notes
- To keep it dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and replace feta with a vegan cheese alternative.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust chili flakes in the hot honey sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Spicy Chicken Recipe, Feta Chicken, Honey and Chili Chicken, Easy Dinner, Sweet and Spicy Chicken
