Description
Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with this Hot Honey Infused Feta Chicken recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then baked with a drizzle of hot honey, topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh thyme for an irresistible meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts (Juicy and tender, the star of the show.)
Seasoning & Toppings
- 1/4 cup Hot honey (Adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Helps achieve that golden, crispy sear.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Adds a bold, aromatic kick.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (Brings depth and a subtle smokiness.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances all the natural flavors.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Adds a dash of heat.)
- 1 cup Crumbled feta cheese (Creamy and tangy.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves (Introduces a fragrant herbaceous note.)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry: Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat dry each chicken breast to ensure a good sear.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to coat all sides.
- Heat the skillet: Place an oven-safe skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil, heating until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add hot honey: Drizzle the hot honey over the seared chicken and allow it to bubble for 1–2 minutes, then baste the chicken by spooning the bubbling honey over the top.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add feta and thyme: Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately top the chicken breasts with crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and toppings to settle before serving.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without overcooking.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Use a cast iron or oven-safe stainless steel skillet for best searing and oven transfer results.
- Leftover chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
