Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Hot Honey Feta Chicken is one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s bold, balanced, and unbelievably satisfying. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a sweet, spicy glaze and finished with creamy feta that melts just slightly into the sauce. I love how it feels both comforting and restaurant-worthy, yet it comes together with simple ingredients in less than 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it has layers of flavor that work together beautifully. The marinade seasons the chicken with smoky spices and citrus brightness, while the hot honey glaze is sticky, spicy, and tangy. Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a touch of salt that ties everything together. I can cook it in a skillet for a quick sear or in the oven when I want a hands-off approach, and it always comes out delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the hot honey sauce:
¼ cup honey
1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (to taste)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat

For garnish:
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Lemon zest or juice
Optional: toasted sesame seeds or extra chili flakes

Directions

1. I start by patting the chicken dry and tossing it with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. I let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while I prepare the sauce.

2. To cook, I either sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat (5–6 minutes per side for thighs, 4–5 minutes per side for breasts) or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.

3. While the chicken cooks, I make the hot honey sauce. In a saucepan, I simmer honey, chili flakes, butter, garlic, and vinegar for 2–3 minutes until glossy and fragrant. I adjust the spice with more chili or a pinch of cayenne.

4. Once the chicken is done, I pour the hot honey glaze over it, then sprinkle with crumbled feta. The warmth softens the feta just enough for a creamy finish.

5. I garnish with parsley or mint, lemon zest, and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cook time is 20–25 minutes, and the total time is around 35–40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different take. I also like adding citrus zest to the honey glaze for extra brightness. For crunch, I top the chicken with pine nuts or sesame seeds. If I want to change up the flavor profile, I replace the hot honey with buffalo sauce or use goat cheese instead of feta.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F until hot, then spoon the sauce over just before serving. The sauce itself also keeps well in the fridge and can be gently reheated on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The heat depends on how many chili flakes I add. For a milder version, I use less and remove cayenne entirely.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the hot honey sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. I reheat it gently before serving.

What sides go best with this dish?

I like serving it with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables. Flatbreads or naan are also great for scooping up the extra sauce.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, the chicken stores and reheats well. I keep the sauce separate until just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that I keep coming back to. I love the way the sweet-spicy glaze, tangy citrus, and salty feta create such a dynamic combination. Whether I make it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even when entertaining guests, it never fails to impress. It’s a versatile, vibrant dish that always feels a little special.

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