Hot Honey Feta Chicken: Easy Sweet & Spicy Dinner Delight Recipe
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is an easy and flavorful sweet and spicy dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts glazed with a luscious hot honey sauce and topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh herbs. This dish balances heat, sweetness, and savory elements perfectly for an impressive weeknight meal that can be paired with rice or roasted vegetables.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
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 (Optional for garnish)
- Extra Chili Flakes (Optional for garnish)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to 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 flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear each piece for approximately 5-6 minutes per thigh side or 4-5 minutes per breast side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, for the oven method, transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- 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 continuously and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened, creating a balanced sweet and spicy sauce.
- Assemble and Finish: Once the chicken is cooked, place it on a serving platter and drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over each piece. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top while the chicken is still hot to allow slight melting. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint, and optionally add toasted sesame seeds or extra chili flakes for additional flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the Hot Honey Feta Chicken alongside fluffy rice or roasted vegetables. Spoon extra hot honey sauce over the sides as desired to complete this vibrant, sweet-spicy savory meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use a dairy-free cheese in place of feta.
- Adjust chili flakes in the sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
- Using smoked paprika enhances the smoky, rich flavor of the marinade.
- Marinating for longer (up to 1 hour) intensifies the seasoning and juiciness of the chicken.
- Serve with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets.
Keywords: Hot Honey Feta Chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, honey chili chicken, feta cheese chicken, easy dinner recipes, skillet chicken dish