This Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is topped with creamy feta cheese and a drizzle of sweet, spicy honey. It’s the perfect mix of flavors!
I love serving this dish with a side of veggies or over rice for a complete meal. Trust me, the kick from the honey will have you reaching for seconds! 🍯🐔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for a tender result. If you’re looking for an alternative, chicken thighs work well too, providing more flavor and juiciness.
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, you can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper or chili flakes. This gives you the sweet and spicy kick without a special ingredient!
Feta Cheese: Feta is rich and tangy, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to swap it for goat cheese or even ricotta for a milder flavor. Both options will add creaminess to the dish.
Spices: For the spice rub, don’t hesitate to adjust according to your preference. For less heat, cut back on the red chili flakes. You can also add other spices, like cumin or paprika, depending on your taste!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time?
Cooking chicken to perfection can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Start with chicken at room temperature to ensure even cooking. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you cook.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside and locks in juices.
- Use a meat thermometer! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. This prevents it from being undercooked or dry.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
How to Make Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or use a prepared hot honey)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish and optional squeeze
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes to have a flavorful dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
Start by grabbing a small bowl. In it, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard seeds, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. This will be your spice rub that adds great flavor to the chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the spices stick better. Rub your spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast to coat them well.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety!
4. Add the Hot Honey:
After the chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium. Spoon hot honey generously over each chicken breast in the pan. Let it warm and slightly caramelize for about 1 minute. This step will bring out the sweet and spicy flavors!
5. Sprinkle the Feta:
Now, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken breasts while they are still in the pan, or you can plate the chicken first and then add the feta. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
6. Final Touches:
Drizzle a light layer of hot honey over the feta-topped chicken for that extra burst of flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add more red chili flakes if you like a bit more heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken with lemon slices on the side for a fresh splash of citrus. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad or some roasted potato wedges. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Now you’re ready to dig in! This dish is perfect for impressing friends or for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of spicy hot honey and creamy feta is simply irresistible!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper or chili flakes to taste. This gives you the right balance of sweetness and heat without needing a special ingredient.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if necessary.
Can I Substitute the Feta Cheese?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even ricotta for a different taste and texture. Both will still add a nice creaminess to the dish!