Description
This Irresistibly Juicy Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze, baked to perfection and topped with creamy feta cheese. Garnished with fresh herbs and optional cherry tomatoes, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors that’s perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Pat dry for a perfect sear)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can switch to butter for richer flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup Hot Honey (Mix regular honey with hot sauce for homemade)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust for desired heat)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Can substitute with goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Thyme, substitute dried if needed)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle olive oil over them to coat evenly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes on one side until they develop a golden brown crust. Flip the chicken to sear the other side briefly.
- Make Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and well blended, which intensifies the spicy-sweet flavor.
- Oven Bake Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts into an oven-safe baking dish. Pour the prepared hot honey glaze evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Feta Cheese: Once the chicken is done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken breasts. The residual heat will slightly melt the feta, adding a creamy and tangy richness to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the feta-topped chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness. Optionally, add cherry tomatoes around the chicken for color and a juicy contrast. Serve the dish hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve a better golden crust.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the glaze.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different creamy texture.
- Use dried herbs if fresh herbs are unavailable, but fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes are optional but add a nice fresh, acidity balance.
- For homemade hot honey, mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce to taste.
