Sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy — this Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe takes simple chicken breasts and turns them into a bold Mediterranean-inspired dish. Juicy chicken is marinated in a garlicky hot honey blend, then baked under a layer of creamy feta until golden and irresistible. Perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests, this dish is ready in under an hour and guaranteed to wow your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors – A perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy chili flakes, and tangy feta.
- Mediterranean flair – Inspired by Greek flavors, but with a modern twist.
- Quick & easy – Just 30 minutes of hands-on prep, then let the oven do the work.
- Versatile – Works with baked or grilled chicken, and you can swap in other cheeses.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust (extra honey for sweetness, extra chili flakes for spice).
Step 2 – Marinate the chicken
Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, coat well, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2–4 hours for best flavor).
Step 3 – Prepare the feta topping
Mix crumbled feta with a drizzle of olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally stir in fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor.
Step 4 – Bake the chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place in a baking dish. Spoon feta mixture evenly over each piece. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and feta is golden and bubbling. For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 5 – Rest & serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley, squeeze fresh lemon over the top, and serve warm with roasted veggies, couscous, or a simple green salad.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate longer – Overnight marinating deepens the flavor.
- Grill option – Grill the chicken for smoky depth, then finish under the broiler with feta.
- Cheese swaps – Try goat cheese, ricotta, or even sharp cheddar for a twist.
- Make it a bowl – Serve over quinoa, couscous, or rice to soak up the juices.
Recipe Card
Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Sweet, spicy, and tangy baked chicken topped with creamy feta — a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s weeknight-friendly yet dinner-party worthy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Whisk honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken with marinade; chill 30 min–4 hrs.
- Mix feta with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in dish, top with feta.
- Bake 25–30 min until chicken is 165°F and feta golden. Optional: broil 2–3 min.
- Rest 5 min, garnish with parsley and lemon, and serve.
Notes
- Overnight marinating = deeper flavor.
