Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a bold and satisfying dish that beautifully balances sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Seared or baked chicken is coated with a sticky hot honey glaze and topped with creamy crumbled feta and fresh herbs. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that looks gourmet but is effortless enough for a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey, spicy chili, and tangy vinegar create a standout glaze. Simple Yet Elegant: Quick prep and cooking time, but presentation is impressive. Customizable Heat: Adjust chili flakes to suit your spice level. Versatile Serving: Pairs well with grains, flatbreads, or roasted veggies. Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
For Garnish
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Lemon zest or juice
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds or extra chili flakes
How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. In a bowl, combine with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes (or up to 1 hour refrigerated).
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear thighs for 5–6 minutes per side or breasts for 4–5 minutes, until cooked through.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
3️⃣ Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, chili flakes, garlic, butter/oil, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cayenne for extra heat if desired.
4️⃣ Assemble & Finish
Pour sauce over cooked chicken. Top with crumbled feta and let it sit for a few minutes to slightly melt. Garnish with herbs, lemon zest, and sesame seeds.
5️⃣ Serve
Serve with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or flatbreads. Spoon extra sauce over the sides.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Flavor Profile & Inspiration
This dish delivers a perfect contrast of textures and tastes. The chicken is infused with earthy spices and citrus, then coated in a luscious, spicy-sweet honey glaze. Feta brings a creamy, salty balance, while herbs and lemon brighten each bite. Inspired by Mediterranean ingredients, this meal feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Customization & Tips
- Alternative Proteins: Try shrimp, lamb, or tofu.
- Add Crunch: Top with pine nuts or sesame seeds.
- Wrap It Up: Serve in pita or grain bowls with fresh veggies.
- Flavor Boost: Add citrus zest or fresh herbs to the sauce.
Tips for Success
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Simmer the sauce gently—don’t overcook the honey.
- Adjust spice by scaling chili flakes and cayenne.
- Add feta while chicken is hot for perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a bold, versatile, and delicious recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re entertaining or meal prepping, this dish checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and visually stunning. It’s a fusion of sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy in every bite—and it’s ready to shine on your dinner table.
Print
Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken coated in spicy-sweet hot honey, topped with creamy feta and fresh herbs. Mediterranean-inspired and weeknight-easy!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- For Garnish:
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Lemon zest or juice
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds or extra chili flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, spices, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate 10–15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in fridge).
- Stovetop: Heat skillet over medium-high. Sear thighs 5–6 min/side or breasts 4–5 min until done.
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 min in an oiled baking dish. - In a small pan, combine honey, chili flakes, garlic, butter/oil, and vinegar. Simmer 2–3 min until thickened. Add cayenne if desired.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken. Top with crumbled feta. Let sit to slightly melt. Garnish with herbs, lemon, and optional toppings.
- Serve with rice, grains, roasted veggies, or flatbreads. Spoon extra sauce over the sides.
Notes
Try shrimp, lamb, or tofu for variation. Add pine nuts for crunch. Serve in wraps or bowls. Let chicken rest before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet or Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: hot honey feta chicken, spicy chicken, Mediterranean dinner, easy weeknight meal