Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. I pan-sear the chicken to lock in the juices and finish it in the oven for a perfectly crispy outside. The hot honey drizzle and crumbled feta on top create a contrast that’s rich, tangy, and irresistibly good. It’s one of those recipes I go back to when I want something impressive but easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish comes together quickly with minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. The chicken stays juicy with a crispy crust, while the hot honey adds a spicy-sweet glaze that gets mellowed out by creamy, salty feta. It feels fancy enough for company but is simple enough to make on a weeknight. Plus, the combination of textures—crispy, creamy, sticky—makes every bite exciting.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons hot honey
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Then I coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, I sear each chicken breast for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until golden.
I transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once baked, I drizzle the hot honey over each piece and sprinkle the crumbled feta on top.
I put it back in the oven for another 5 minutes to let the honey caramelize and the feta soften.
To finish, I garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes switch out the feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
To adjust the heat, I play around with different types of hot honey or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
For a lighter version, I skip the sear and go straight to baking.
Boneless chicken thighs work well if I want something juicier.
Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme gives the dish a more aromatic profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the chicken crispy.
If I’m freezing, I leave off the honey and feta until after reheating. Frozen portions can last up to 2 months.

FAQs

How do I make hot honey at home?

I combine regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes, then gently warm it on the stove to infuse the heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. I often use boneless, skinless chicken thighs when I want extra juiciness.

What sides go best with this dish?

I like pairing it with roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the chicken ahead, then add the honey and feta and reheat just before serving.

How do I keep the chicken moist?

I always check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking—165°F (75°C) is the sweet spot.

Conclusion

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the kind of recipe I turn to when I want to impress without a lot of fuss. It’s full of bold, balanced flavors and has a texture combination that’s just plain fun to eat. Whether for a casual dinner or something a little more special, this dish always delivers.

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a sweet, spicy, and savory dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts finished in the oven, topped with hot honey and crumbled feta for a flavor-packed and texturally rich meal.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken and sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
Return the chicken to the oven for another 5 minutes to caramelize the honey and soften the feta.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use goat cheese or blue cheese as a substitute for feta if preferred.
Adjust the spice level by using different hot honeys or adding red pepper flakes.
For a lighter version, skip searing and go straight to baking.
Boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.
Enhance the aroma with herbs like rosemary or thyme.