This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dish that brings together seared, oven-baked chicken, a drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey, and tangy, creamy feta cheese.
It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a weeknight favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, spicy, salty, and savory in one bite.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Minimal ingredients – But maximum impact!
Restaurant-quality at home – No fancy equipment needed.
Versatile – Serve with rice, salad, veggies, or crusty bread.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Boneless Chicken Breasts – Seared for golden crispiness, then baked to perfection.
Hot Honey – Brings the heat and sweetness; store-bought or homemade.
Feta Cheese – Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet heat.
Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick and aids in searing.
Paprika & Garlic Powder – Flavor boosters with a smoky, savory kick.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use an oven-safe skillet to sear and bake in one pan (less cleanup!).
Don’t skip the sear – It locks in juices and adds crisp edges.
Adjust spice level by using mild honey or adding chili flakes.
Chicken thighs? Go for it! Just adjust the bake time slightly.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Rub the mixture evenly over 4 boneless chicken breasts on both sides.
Step 3: Sear for Crispiness
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
(The chicken doesn’t need to cook through yet—just form a nice crust.)
Step 4: Bake to Finish
Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Add Feta & Honey
Remove from the oven and drizzle each breast with hot honey (about 3 tbsp total).
Sprinkle ½ cup crumbled feta over the top.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return the chicken to the oven for 5 more minutes, allowing the feta to soften and the honey to caramelize slightly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
What to Serve It With
Garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice
Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Pita bread and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist
Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
Variations & Substitutions
Swap feta for goat cheese – Creamier, tangier twist.
Use bone-in chicken thighs – Just increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Make it dairy-free – Omit the feta and sprinkle with crushed nuts for crunch.
Homemade hot honey – Mix honey with red pepper flakes and warm gently.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F or in a skillet over low heat.
Freezer? – Not ideal with feta and honey, but chicken can be frozen before topping.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes! Brands like Mike’s Hot Honey work great.
Or make your own by warming honey with red pepper flakes.
Is it spicy?
Mild to medium, depending on your hot honey. Adjust to taste!
What if I don’t have feta?
Try crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or leave it off for a dairy-free option.
Can I make it ahead?
You can sear the chicken in advance, then finish baking with feta and honey when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is everything you want in a fast, flavorful dinner.
It’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and satisfying—and it looks (and tastes) like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Rub chicken with oil and spices.
- Sear in a skillet for 3–4 mins per side.
- Bake for 15–20 mins, until cooked through (165°F).
- Drizzle hot honey and sprinkle feta over chicken.
- Bake 5 more mins to melt and caramelize.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/crispy-hot-honey-feta-chicken/
Notes
- To make your own hot honey, mix honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- For crispier edges, broil the chicken for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
