Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines crave-worthy elements in one pan: the salty tang of feta, the savory sear of chicken, and a fiery honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, customizable for spice preference, and impressive enough to serve guests while being simple enough for a family meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes or hot chili powder (optional for added spice)
- Honey
- Hot sauce (your favorite variety)
- Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, for garnish)
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine honey and hot sauce to taste. Set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), about 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Reduce heat to low, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour hot honey mixture over the chicken and simmer for 1–2 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken to coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and let it warm slightly in the sauce.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve over rice, couscous, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add sliced onions or cherry tomatoes to the pan for more texture and sweetness.
- Make it creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
- Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add chopped walnuts or pistachios for crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheat the sauce separately and spoon over the chicken after heating. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the feta and honey-based glaze.
FAQs
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is a blend of honey and chili or hot sauce, delivering a balance of sweet heat. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Use a mild chili sauce or just the honey for a sweet version.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then pour hot honey and feta over during the last 5 minutes.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Boneless thighs are flavorful and juicy, but breasts work well if you avoid overcooking.
Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely—grill and then drizzle with hot honey and top with feta just before serving.
What sides go well with this?
Serve with rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or grilled veggies for a balanced plate.
Is feta supposed to melt?
Feta softens but doesn’t melt fully like cheddar. It adds creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, reheat the chicken in the sauce and top with feta for a quick version.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely. Double the honey and hot sauce if you want extra glaze for drizzling.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer for an extra few minutes or add a touch of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a fast, flavorful recipe that delivers serious taste with minimal effort. With the irresistible combo of sweet, spicy, and tangy, it transforms simple chicken into a memorable main dish. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or spicing up your weekly rotation, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress.
PrintHot Honey Feta Chicken
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish with juicy chicken, tangy feta, and a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or hot chili powder (optional)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together honey and hot sauce to make the hot honey. Set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- Reduce heat to low. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour hot honey mixture over chicken and simmer 1–2 minutes, spooning sauce over to coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and let it soften slightly.
- Finish with lemon juice if desired and garnish with herbs.
- Serve over rice, couscous, quinoa, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Boneless thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Feta softens but won’t fully melt—adds tangy creaminess.
- Reduce or omit hot sauce for a milder version.
- Double the hot honey sauce if you want extra for drizzling.
- Try baking or grilling the chicken for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
