Hot Honey Feta Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These main ingredients create a juicy and tasty dish. The chicken brings a nice, tender bite. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a bit of salt. Hot honey gives a sweet and spicy kick! - Lemon juice (for brightness) - Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano - Red pepper flakes (for extra heat) Adding lemon juice can brighten the dish. Fresh herbs add depth and aroma. Red pepper flakes can bring more heat if you like it spicy! - Large mixing bowl - Baking dish - Whisk or spoon for mixing - Meat thermometer (to check chicken doneness) Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A meat thermometer helps ensure your chicken is safe to eat. A baking dish is key for roasting your flavorful chicken! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. This blend will give your chicken great flavor. Next, add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for about 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in. While the chicken marinates, prepare your baking dish. Lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray. Place the marinated chicken in the dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup of hot honey over the chicken and sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the chicken cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with extra hot honey and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken perfectly, pay attention to the thickness of the breasts. If they are uneven, pound them down. This helps them cook evenly. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and juicy. Marinating the chicken makes it tasty and tender. Use a bowl that fits all the chicken. Coat each piece well with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating too long, as the acid can change the chicken's texture. Serve your Hot Honey Feta Chicken on a large platter. Add some roasted veggies or a fresh salad on the side. Drizzle extra hot honey on top for that sweet touch. Sprinkle fresh parsley over everything. This makes the dish look bright and appealing! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: If time allows, marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor even more, making it juicier and more aromatic. Use Fresh Feta: For the best taste and texture, opt for fresh feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled versions, which often contain preservatives. Oven Thermometer Check: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, as some ovens can be off, affecting cooking times. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice preference; feel free to use less or add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat. {{image_2}} To make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the hot honey. Instead, use a sugar-free honey substitute. You can also add more spices to keep the flavor strong. Try using more smoked paprika or add chili powder for heat. This keeps your meal tasty while staying within your diet. Adding vegetables makes this meal balanced and colorful. You can roast some bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them around the chicken in the baking dish. They will soak up the flavors and cook perfectly together. You may also serve a fresh salad on the side for added crunch. While feta is the star, you can try other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy taste, while mozzarella gives a creamy texture. If you like stronger flavors, use blue cheese. Crumble it on top before baking. Each cheese brings a unique twist to the classic dish. To keep your Hot Honey Feta Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Then, seal it tightly and place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. In that case, cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 2-3 minutes. If you decide to freeze your chicken, slice it into portions first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Don't forget to squeeze out as much air as you can. This method helps avoid freezer burn. Your Hot Honey Feta Chicken can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Hot honey is a mix of honey and spicy peppers. It gives sweet and heat in one bite. You can buy hot honey in stores or make it at home. To make your own, warm honey on low heat. Add sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will infuse the honey with heat. Strain the mixture to remove the solids. Now, you have hot honey ready for your dishes! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and have more flavor. Thighs cook well with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The result will still be delicious! To add more spice, increase the amount of hot honey. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers. Mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade. These options will boost the heat level. Just be careful not to overpower the dish! Hot Honey Feta Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini - A fresh garden salad with mixed greens - Creamy mashed potatoes or rice to balance the heat - Quinoa or couscous for a healthy touch These sides will complement the flavors and complete your meal! This article covered the best ways to make Hot Honey Feta Chicken. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. I shared ways to personalize the dish and how to store leftovers. Finally, I answered common questions to enhance your cooking experience. By following these steps, you can create a tasty meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy making this dish again and again!$

A deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish topped with crumbled feta and drizzled with hot honey.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup hot honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste pepper
to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are covered completely with the marinade. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle with hot honey, reserving a little for serving.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top of the chicken.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes.
Drizzle the reserved hot honey over the chicken for an extra kick of sweetness.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, feta, hot honey