It is 6pm and you are tired. You want a meal that feels special but fits your busy schedule. This Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the answer to your weeknight prayers.
This dish is perfect for a warm summer evening. It is light, zingy, and comes together in one pan. You will love how the sweet honey balances the salty feta cheese perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for any home cook. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. You get a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes flat.
The combination of flavors is truly addictive. The hot honey adds a gentle kick that is still kid-friendly. It is a great way to elevate basic chicken breasts without extra stress.
Cleanup is a breeze since everything happens in one skillet. This makes it ideal for those hectic school nights. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Simple Method
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly. You start by searing the chicken to get a golden-brown crust. This locks in all the juices for tender meat.
The magic happens when you pour the glaze over the hot chicken. It bubbles up and creates a thick, syrupy coating. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this technique.
Adding the feta at the very end is the secret. The residual heat softens the cheese just enough. It creates a creamy, tangy finish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples you probably have right now.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup liquid honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create the spicy glaze.
- Lower the skillet heat to medium-low and pour the honey mixture directly over the cooked chicken.
- Simmer and baste the chicken continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze reduces and achieves a syrupy consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat source and immediately distribute the crumbled feta cheese over the glazed chicken breasts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while the glaze is warm and the cheese is slightly softened.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this chicken warm over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice will soak up all that extra spicy honey glaze. It is also delicious sliced over a fresh garden salad.
Pair it with roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans for a complete meal. For a date night, serve it with a crisp glass of white wine. Set the table and enjoy a quiet, flavorful moment.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. This makes it a great option for easy weekday lunches.
To reheat, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water. This helps keep the chicken moist and the glaze saucy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the best texture.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar as it cuts the sweetness.
- Pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for a better sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Lower the heat before adding the honey to prevent burning the glaze.
- For a summer twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Double the glaze if you are serving this over a lot of rice.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a richer flavor.
- Try goat cheese instead of feta for a milder, creamier finish.
- In the summer, serve with fresh grilled peach slices on the side.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different kind of sweetness.
- Add a handful of toasted walnuts for an extra crunch.
Common Questions
Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
The heat is quite mild because the honey balances it out. You can always use less hot sauce to keep it very gentle. Most kids love the sweet and salty combination!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can season the chicken a few hours early to save time. However, the glaze is best when served fresh and warm. It only takes a few minutes to finish the dish!
What if I don’t have a heavy skillet?
Any large frying pan will work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure not to crowd the chicken so it sears properly. A non-stick pan is also a great choice for easy cleanup.
I hope this quick Hot Honey Feta Chicken brings a little spark to your dinner table. It is the perfect way to end a busy day with a smile. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup liquid honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create the spicy glaze.
- Lower the skillet heat to medium-low and pour the honey mixture directly over the cooked chicken.
- Simmer and baste the chicken continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze reduces and achieves a syrupy consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat source and immediately distribute the crumbled feta cheese over the glazed chicken breasts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while the glaze is warm and the cheese is slightly softened.
