Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken dish features tender chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and spicy honey blend, topped with a flavorful crumbled feta cheese mixture, and baked to perfection. The combination of honey, red pepper flakes, and tangy feta creates a delicious balance of sweetness, heat, and creaminess, making it a simple yet impressive meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
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 and Garnish
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle of olive oil (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more red pepper flakes for extra spice or honey for added sweetness.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Feta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Arrange Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Add Feta Topping: Spoon the prepared feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the feta is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes to achieve extra color and texture on the feta topping.
- Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Prepare to Serve: Prepare a serving platter with greens or roasted vegetables and slice the lemon into wedges for serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining juices from the baking dish. Accompany with lemon wedges for an added fresh zing.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, though 30 minutes will still add good taste.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice golden crust to the feta topping—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a simple side salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
