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Hot Honey Feta Chicken Bake Recipe

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Hot Honey Feta Chicken Dish offers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with tender marinated chicken breasts topped with creamy, tangy feta cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

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
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sprinkle of black pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh herbs like dill or basil

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning if desired for spiciness or sweetness.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over to coat evenly, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, to infuse flavor and maintain juiciness.
  3. Prepare the feta topping: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Optionally, add fresh chopped herbs for extra flavor, then set aside.
  4. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) to allow chicken roasting that melts and browns the feta topping perfectly.
  5. Arrange chicken in baking dish: Remove chicken from marinade, discard leftover marinade, and place the breasts spaced evenly in a baking dish.
  6. Add feta topping: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring generous coverage for a creamy and tangy crust.
  7. Bake: Cook chicken in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the feta is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for last 2-3 minutes for additional color but watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Rest the chicken: Take the dish out and let chicken rest for about 5 minutes to redistribute juices for tender and juicy bites.
  9. Prepare serving platter: Arrange a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach, or roasted vegetables, and slice the lemon into wedges for a fresh citrus touch.
  10. Serve: Garnish chicken with freshly chopped parsley, serve warm, and drizzle with any remaining juices from the baking dish. Offer lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for added zest.

Notes

  • For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just a few hours.
  • Grilling the chicken instead of baking adds a smoky dimension, but monitor the feta carefully to prevent it from burning.
  • Try substituting the feta with goat cheese or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Pair with quinoa, couscous, or a fresh arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complete the meal.

Keywords: hot honey feta chicken, baked chicken recipe, spicy honey chicken, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken dinner, feta topping, marinated chicken breasts