Hot Honey Feta Chicken: 30-Minutes Crispy Bliss You’ll Love!

Tired of boring chicken dinners? Craving something sweet, spicy, and salty? This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe is the answer! This recipe combines crispy, juicy chicken with a flavorful hot honey glaze and tangy feta cheese for a taste sensation that will wake up your taste buds. Learn how to make this easy and delicious Hot Honey Feta Chicken dish in just 25 minutes!

What is Hot Honey Feta Chicken?

Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavorful chicken recipe that combines crispy pan-fried chicken with a glaze made from honey infused with chili peppers (hot honey) and is topped with salty and tangy feta cheese. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures—crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior—while delivering a complex flavor profile that hits all the right notes: sweetness from the honey, heat from the chili, and saltiness from the feta. It’s a modern twist on classic chicken dishes that’s gaining popularity for its simplicity and bold flavors.

Why This Recipe is the BEST

Crispiness Factor

Our secret technique ensures the chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. The key is using a two-step cooking method: first searing at high heat to create a golden crust, then finishing at a slightly lower temperature to cook through without drying out. We also lightly dust the chicken with a touch of cornstarch mixed with seasoning, which creates an ultra-thin coating that crisps up beautifully without being heavy.

Flavor Balance

We’ve perfected the hot honey glaze to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. By infusing the honey with both fresh and dried chilies, we create a complex heat profile that builds gradually rather than overwhelming your palate immediately. The honey’s natural sweetness mellows the heat while enhancing the chicken’s savory qualities.

Feta Choice

We recommend using authentic Greek feta stored in brine for the best flavor and texture in your Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This type of feta has a creamier texture and tangier flavor than pre-crumbled varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that affect texture. The brine-packed feta also brings a pleasant saltiness that perfectly counterbalances the sweet and spicy glaze.

Speed and Simplicity

This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe is quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for guests. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this gourmet-tasting dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

Customization

Easily adapt this recipe to your spice preference and dietary needs. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or five-alarm fire, the hot honey can be adjusted to suit your taste. The recipe also works beautifully with gluten-free or low-carb modifications.

Addressing Concerns

Not a fan of spice? We’ll show you how to adjust the heat level in your Hot Honey Feta Chicken to your liking by using fewer chili flakes or replacing them with milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano.

Worried about the feta being too salty? We’ll provide tips for balancing the flavors, including rinsing the feta briefly before using or opting for a milder domestic feta if Greek feta is too intense for your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each), butterflied or pounded to even thickness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey (local preferred for best flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Feta Topping:

• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (preferably Greek feta in brine)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or parsley), chopped
• Zest of half a lemon

How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re thick, either butterfly them or place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking for your Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Lightly coat each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture, shaking off any excess.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the glaze.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it), reduce heat to medium-low and add butter.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the honey and hot sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture bubble gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar, which brightens the flavors of your Hot Honey Feta Chicken glaze.

Assemble the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the hot honey glaze.
2. Top each chicken breast with crumbled feta cheese.
3. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the feta begins to soften and brown slightly. If not, simply cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the residual heat to warm the feta.
4. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon zest before serving your Hot Honey Feta Chicken.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• To prevent the chicken from sticking, make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil.
• If your hot honey glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
• Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If the glaze starts to burn, reduce the heat immediately and add a small amount of water or chicken broth.

Homemade Hot Honey Recipe

While store-bought hot honey works perfectly for this Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe, making your own allows you to control the spice level and customize the flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey (local, raw honey provides the best flavor)
• 2-3 fresh chili peppers (jalapeños, serranos, or habaneros, depending on heat preference), sliced
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients.
2. Heat over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let the mixture boil, as this can change the honey’s flavor and texture.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
4. Strain the honey through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer it without pepper pieces, or leave them in for a more rustic hot honey.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.

The intensity will develop over time, so you might want to make this a few days before preparing your Hot Honey Feta Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Sides

• Grains: Serve Hot Honey Feta Chicken over fluffy basmati rice, hearty quinoa, or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious glaze.
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, or a simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries complement the flavors perfectly.
• Salads: A light Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

Build a Bowl

Create a delicious Hot Honey Feta Chicken bowl with:

• Base: Brown rice or cauliflower rice
• Protein: Sliced Hot Honey Feta Chicken
• Vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed kale, corn kernels
• Extras: Avocado slices, black beans, pickled red onions
• Garnish: Extra feta, cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of additional hot honey

Sandwiches

Transform leftovers into an incredible sandwich by:

• Slicing the Hot Honey Feta Chicken thinly
• Layering on ciabatta or a brioche bun with arugula, sliced tomato, and cucumber
• Adding a spread of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and herbs
• Pressing or grilling the sandwich for a crispy exterior

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Options

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier Hot Honey Feta Chicken. Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side.
• Try chicken tenders for a quicker cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• For a healthier version, use turkey cutlets instead of chicken.

Cheese Alternatives

• Swap feta for crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, milder flavor.
• Try halloumi cheese, lightly grilled, for a completely different texture experience.
• For a dairy-free version, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or skip the cheese entirely.

Spice Level Adjustments

• For mild heat, use just 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the hot honey.
• For medium heat, stick with the recipe as written.
• For spicy food lovers, add a chopped fresh habanero or serrano pepper to the glaze.

Sweetener Options

• Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Try agave nectar for a vegan version of the glaze.
• Coconut nectar makes an excellent lower-glycemic alternative.

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: This Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the feta and use coconut oil instead of butter in the glaze.
• Paleo/Whole30: Use ghee instead of butter and skip the cheese or use a compliant alternative.

Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Emily Wilson

Discover our crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe! Sweet, spicy, and ready in under 30 minutes the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean-American Fusion

Servings 2 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each), butterflied or pounded to even thickness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey local preferred for best flavor
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce such as Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to your heat preference
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Feta Topping:

• 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled (preferably Greek feta in brine)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley, chopped
• Zest of half a lemon

Instructions

 

Prep the Chicken

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re thick, either butterfly them or place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking for your Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lightly coat each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture, shaking off any excess.
  

Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  
• Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the glaze.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze

• In the same skillet (no need to clean it), reduce heat to medium-low and add butter.
• Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  
• Pour in the honey and hot sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture bubble gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar, which brightens the flavors of your Hot Honey Feta Chicken glaze.

Assemble the Dish

• Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the hot honey glaze.
• Top each chicken breast with crumbled feta cheese.
• If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the feta begins to soften and brown slightly. If not, simply cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the residual heat to warm the feta.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon zest before serving your Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
  

Tips and Troubleshooting

• To prevent the chicken from sticking, make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil.
• If your hot honey glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
• Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If the glaze starts to burn, reduce the heat immediately and add a small amount of water or chicken broth.

Notes

Nutritional Information

Per serving of Hot Honey Feta Chicken (1 chicken breast with glaze and feta):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 17g (primarily from honey)
• Sodium: 680mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Keyword Crispy Chicken Recipe, Hot Honey Feta Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover Hot Honey Feta Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Store the chicken and any remaining sauce separately from fresh garnishes for best results.
• Do not freeze this dish, as the texture of both the chicken and feta cheese will deteriorate.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes at 70% power, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Slice the chicken, then gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over medium-low heat.
• Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey and new feta crumbles after reheating for the best flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information

Per serving of Hot Honey Feta Chicken (1 chicken breast with glaze and feta):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 17g (primarily from honey)
• Sodium: 680mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

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