Hot Honey Feta Chicken Bake Recipe
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.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) to allow chicken roasting that melts and browns the feta topping perfectly.
- Arrange chicken in baking dish: Remove chicken from marinade, discard leftover marinade, and place the breasts spaced evenly in a baking dish.
- Add feta topping: Spoon the feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring generous coverage for a creamy and tangy crust.
- 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.
- Rest the chicken: Take the dish out and let chicken rest for about 5 minutes to redistribute juices for tender and juicy bites.
- 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.
- 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