Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The balance of sweet honey, tangy feta, and spicy red pepper flakes creates an irresistible flavor combination. It’s a simple recipe that feels restaurant-worthy, requires minimal prep, and works beautifully with a variety of side dishes from roasted veggies to fresh salads.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup honey
¼ 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
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the honey mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon slices for squeezing over the chicken.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier, tangier twist.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the honey mixture for depth.
- Substitute balsamic vinegar for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili peppers.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey-feta mixture and season the chicken ahead of time. Cook just before serving.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grill the chicken until cooked through, then top with warmed honey-feta mixture.
Does the feta melt completely in the oven?
Feta softens but keeps its crumbly texture, adding a tangy bite to the dish.
What sides go well with this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, couscous, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free feta alternative or omit the cheese.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or increase the red pepper flakes to match your preference.
Can I use other herbs instead of oregano?
Yes, thyme, rosemary, or basil can be used for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for about 15 minutes, adding the honey-feta topping in the last few minutes.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but only bake long enough to heat through and melt the feta, about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Hot Honey Feta Chicken Dish: A Deliciously Spicy and Savory
Juicy chicken breasts baked with a sweet-spicy honey glaze, tangy crumbled feta, and fragrant herbs, finished with fresh parsley and lemon for a flavorful, restaurant-worthy dish ready in 35 minutes.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour honey mixture over chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon slices for squeezing over the chicken.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier option.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
Goat cheese can replace feta for a creamier texture.
Balsamic vinegar can be substituted for a sweeter, richer glaze.
For air fryer cooking, bake at 375°F for ~15 minutes, adding feta topping in the last few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze and feta
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg