Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

This crispy hot honey feta chicken brings a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more. The hot honey melts over the chicken as it bakes, creating a sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with the salty feta and juicy chicken.

I discovered this recipe during a dinner party experiment gone wonderfully right. My guests couldn't stop raving about it, and now it's become my signature dish when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts: the star of the show, look for ones that are similar in size for even cooking
• Olive oil: helps create that beautiful golden crust during searing
• Garlic powder: adds depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has
• Paprika: brings a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors
• Crumbled feta cheese: choose a good quality Greek feta for the best tangy flavor
• Hot honey: the magic ingredient that creates sweet heat, I recommend Mike's Hot Honey
• Fresh parsley: adds brightness and color as a finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This temperature is perfect for creating a juicy interior while maintaining the crispy exterior.

Season the Chicken:

Coat the chicken breasts generously with olive oil first so the seasonings adhere better. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl before applying to ensure even distribution on both sides of the chicken.

Sear to Perfection:

Heat your skillet until it's properly hot before adding the chicken. A cast iron works best here for heat retention. Listen for the sizzle when the chicken hits the pan that tells you it's hot enough. Let the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust for 3-4 minutes before flipping. Resist the urge to move it around.

Oven Finish:

Transfer the seared chicken to your prepared baking sheet. The searing gave you color and flavor, but the oven will ensure the chicken cooks through perfectly without drying out. The internal temperature must reach 165°F for safety.

Create the Magic:

While the chicken is still hot from the oven, immediately drizzle that luscious hot honey over the top. The heat will help it spread beautifully. Then sprinkle the feta cheese evenly over each piece. The contrast of spicy sweet honey with tangy feta is what makes this dish special.

Final Bake:

Return to the oven for just 5 minutes more. Watch closely as the honey bubbles and the cheese begins to soften but not completely melt. This short time creates the perfect texture contrast.

Garnish and Serve:

Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving. The bright green against the golden chicken with white feta creates a stunning presentation.

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The hot honey is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered it at a farmers market three years ago and have been obsessed ever since. My children now request this dish by name, calling it "the sticky chicken" because of how the honey creates those irresistible caramelized edges.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken dish can be partially prepared in advance to make dinner time easier. Season the chicken breasts and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can even sear them ahead of time and refrigerate, then finish in the oven when you're ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you'll be starting with cold chicken.

Perfect Pairings

The sweet and spicy flavors of this chicken call for simple, fresh sides that won't compete. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully, as do roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a simple orzo pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. The sauce created from the honey and chicken juices is too good to waste, so having something to soak it up is ideal.

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Hot Honey Variations

If you can't find premade hot honey, it's incredibly easy to make your own. Simply warm 1/2 cup of good quality honey with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (depending on your heat preference) in a small saucepan until just bubbling. Remove from heat and let steep for at least an hour before straining. Store in a jar at room temperature for up to a month. This homemade version allows you to customize the heat level exactly to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use bone-in chicken for this dish?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

→ What is hot honey, and can I make it at home?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili or other spices to give it a spicy kick. To make it, gently heat honey with chili flakes or pepper until infused.

→ Can I substitute feta cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta salata as alternatives, but the flavor profile will slightly differ.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes complement this flavorful chicken beautifully.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The chicken can be prepared and seared ahead of time, but it's best to bake it fresh with hot honey and feta for optimal results.