Description
Experience the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with this Sticky Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, glazed with sticky hot honey, then baked and topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh thyme for a satisfying main course you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for searing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Glaze and Toppings
- 3 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a better sear and crispy outer texture.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts generously with olive oil, then evenly coat with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a balanced, savory seasoning.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prepare for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Place each chicken breast in the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until each side is golden brown and crusty.
- Apply Hot Honey Glaze: Lower the heat, drizzle the hot honey over the seared chicken breasts, and baste them for 1-2 minutes to infuse sticky, sweet-spicy flavor.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking through.
- Add Feta and Thyme: Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving hot and enjoying.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to easily transfer the chicken from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey according to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- For a homemade hot honey, combine honey with a pinch of chili flakes and warm slightly before use.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain juices and enhances flavor balance.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
