Description
This Hot Honey Feta Chicken Dish is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts topped with a spicy-sweet honey marinade and a creamy, tangy feta cheese topping. The combination of honey, red pepper flakes, and oregano creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, while the feta adds a savory richness. Served with fresh lemon wedges and parsley garnish, it’s a vibrant meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Feta Topping
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon)
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice or extra honey for sweetness according to your preference.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, though 2 to 4 hours is preferable for best taste.
- Prepare Feta Topping: In a small bowl, gently combine crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set aside this creamy topping.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: Remove chicken breasts from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and discard remaining marinade. Place chicken in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Feta Topping: Spoon the prepared feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering the tops.
- Bake: Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta turns golden and bubbly. For added color, optionally broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Prepare Serving Platter: Arrange greens or roasted vegetables on a platter and slice lemon into wedges for freshness on the side.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, drizzling any juices from the baking dish over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a crispier top, use the broiler setting for the last few minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
