Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick from hot honey, all topped off with creamy, tangy feta cheese. The combination of the heat from the honey and the salty, crumbly feta creates such a fun mix of flavors that really wakes up your taste buds.
I love making this recipe when I want something simple but special. What’s great is how easy it is to throw together, but it feels like a restaurant meal at home. I usually add a little extra honey drizzle at the end because I’m a big fan of that sweet and spicy balance. If you like your food with a bit of a zing, this dish is definitely going to make you smile.
For serving, I often go with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh green salad to keep things light and bright. It’s also perfect served over rice or pasta to soak up all the honey and feta goodness. Whenever I make this, it quickly becomes the favorite at the table, and it’s so fun to watch everyone’s surprised faces when they try the combo of flavors for the first time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless breasts keeps things quick and easy. You can swap in thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful meat. Just watch the cooking time since thighs may need a little longer.
Smoked paprika & spices: These bring warmth and a hint of smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. Adjust cayenne pepper if you want less or more heat—it’s easy to make it mild or fiery!
Hot honey: This is key for the sweet-spicy balance. If you can’t find hot honey, mix plain honey with chili flakes or hot sauce to get a similar kick.
Feta cheese: The crumbly feta adds creaminess and saltiness which contrast nicely with the honey. You could use goat cheese or ricotta salata as alternatives, but feta’s tang is hard to beat.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right Without Overcooking?
Cooking chicken breast evenly without drying it out can be tricky. Here’s my approach for juicy, flavorful chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—this helps achieve a nice crust.
- Cook over medium-high heat to get a good sear, which locks in juices.
- Cook 5-6 minutes per side, but use a meat thermometer if you can—look for 165°F (74°C) internal temp.
- Lower heat before adding feta and sauce so the cheese softens without melting completely, keeping texture and flavor distinct.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I prefer a heavy-bottomed one for even heat and good browning.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure your chicken stays juicy and is cooked through.
- Small bowls – perfect for mixing spices, honey mustard, and feta toppings.
- Tongs or spatula – makes flipping the chicken easy without tearing it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey instead of fresh for quick assembly.
- Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta salata for different tangs and textures.
- Add sliced jalapeños or sriracha to the hot honey for extra heat.
- Serve with roasted veggies or over rice or potatoes to soak up the sauce.
How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or hot pepper)
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious Hot Honey Feta Chicken ready in approximately 22 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides of each breast.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice brown crust on the outside.
3. Prepare the Hot Honey Mustard Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, mix the hot honey and whole grain mustard together in a small bowl. This will be drizzled over the chicken later.
4. Add Feta and Sauce:
Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to low. Spread or place about 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese on top of each chicken breast. Then drizzle the hot honey and mustard sauce generously over the feta and chicken. Let it warm gently for 1 to 2 minutes so the feta softens a bit and the flavors come together, but don’t let the cheese melt completely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, alongside your favorite vegetables or salad to soak up all the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent a good sear.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the seasoning and use mild honey instead of hot honey. You can also drizzle plain honey mixed with just a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can cook the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days, but add the feta and hot honey sauce just before serving so the cheese maintains its texture and the flavors stay fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave to soften the feta again without melting it completely.
