Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that balances the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of feta cheese and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Tender baked chicken breasts are marinated in a savory honey and garlic mixture, topped with a rich feta blend, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe serves 4 and pairs wonderfully with fresh greens or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Feta Topping
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended to create a balanced marinade.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more red pepper flakes for extra spice or more honey for increased sweetness.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Chill and Marinate: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to create a creamy topping and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Ready Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Add Feta Topping: Spoon the prepared feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering the top thoroughly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve extra color and crispness on the cheese.
- Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices and enhance tenderness.
- Prepare to Serve: Arrange a serving platter with greens or roasted vegetables and slice the lemon into wedges for a fresh citrus accompaniment.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley, drizzle with any remaining juices from the baking dish, and serve the chicken warm alongside lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for 2-4 hours delivers the best flavor and tenderness, but at least 30 minutes is sufficient in a pinch.
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Broiling the feta topping at the end adds a delightful golden crust—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
