If you love a bold combo of sweet heat and creamy tang, this Hot Honey Feta Chicken is about to become your new go-to dinner! It’s quick, easy, and totally bursting with flavor. Picture juicy baked chicken smothered in creamy whipped feta, drizzled with spicy honey, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you’re hosting or just craving something different on a weeknight, this dish hits that sweet, savory, and spicy trifecta.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- It’s fast and fuss-free. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor explosion. The creamy feta balances the fiery sweetness of the hot honey for an unforgettable bite every time.
- Crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting friends, this dish is always a hit.
- Customizable. Adjust the heat, try different herbs, or swap in your favorite protein.
- Aesthetic & appetizing. It’s the kind of meal that looks as good as it tastes—hello, social media snaps!
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that bring BIG flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream (adds creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade – see tips!)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
This recipe is super simple—just season, bake, whip, and drizzle. Here’s how to make Hot Honey Feta Chicken step by step:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Bake: Place chicken in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the whipped feta: While the chicken bakes, combine feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
- Plate it up: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon a generous dollop of whipped feta onto each piece.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Warm the hot honey slightly (microwave for 10 seconds), then drizzle it over the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner for four, but it can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers.
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 30–35 minutes
Tips and Variations
- Make your own hot honey: Mix 1/4 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Simmer gently, then cool before using.
- Spice level: Want it milder? Use regular honey and skip the chili. Want it hotter? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Herb it up: Try basil, dill, or chives instead of thyme or parsley.
- No cream cheese? You can sub in ricotta or more Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add veggies: Serve this over roasted veggies, sautéed spinach, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
- Protein swap: Try with salmon or tofu for a twist on the original.
Storage
Got leftovers? This dish keeps well and is just as tasty the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken and whipped feta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. If the feta mixture thickens, you can stir in a little milk or olive oil to refresh it.
- Freezing: Not recommended—dairy-based sauces like whipped feta can become grainy after freezing.
Tip: Store the hot honey separately so it doesn’t soak into the chicken while chilling.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the chicken and whip the feta in advance. Reheat the chicken and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
2. What is hot honey, and where can I buy it?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili or heat—sweet and spicy in one! Look for brands like Mike’s Hot Honey or make your own at home (see tips above).
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
4. Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped feta?
Try using dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan feta substitute. The texture will still be rich and creamy.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
Great sides include couscous, roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
6. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds a smoky layer of flavor—just adjust cooking time and make sure it’s cooked through.
7. How spicy is hot honey feta chicken?
It’s a gentle heat, but you can dial it up or down depending on your preference by adjusting the hot honey.
Conclusion
There you have it—Hot Honey Feta Chicken, your new favorite sweet-and-savory dinner that’s as easy as it is impressive. With creamy whipped feta, a kick of spicy honey, and tender baked chicken, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your weekly rotation (and maybe your Pinterest board too 😉).
Print
Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Juicy baked chicken smothered in creamy whipped feta, drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey, and topped with fresh herbs—quick, easy, and flavor-packed!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place chicken in the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a food processor, blend feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add a teaspoon of water or olive oil if needed for consistency.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking, then top with whipped feta.
- Warm hot honey slightly in microwave and drizzle over chicken.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Customize the heat with more or less chili. Use different herbs like basil or dill, or switch the protein to salmon or tofu. Avoid freezing due to dairy texture changes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: hot honey, feta chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, spicy honey, whipped feta