Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a spicy kick. Tender, seared chicken breasts are coated in a luscious sauce made of honey, hot sauce, garlic, and tangy feta cheese. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this dish is a quick and flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4 medium-sized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Hot Honey Feta Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest loosely covered with foil for a few minutes to retain juices before slicing.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Feta: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to soften into the warm sauce.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Pour the Sauce: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter or plates and generously pour the hot honey feta sauce over the top to coat each slice.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme leaves (if using), chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Pounding the chicken to even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and remains juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid overcooking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh flavor complementing the rich sauce.
