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hot honey feta chicken with golden bubbly feta cheese topping fresh from oven in baking dish

Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Marinated chicken breasts in a sweet and spicy honey blend, topped with creamy feta cheese, and baked to golden perfection
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 to 8 oz each
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled, from block for best texture
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon extra for feta mixture
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste, use 3/4 teaspoon for milder heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus extra for feta mixture
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lemon sliced, for serving

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • Small bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is completely coated. Seal the bag or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2 to 4 hours, or up to 8 hours if prepping the night before.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta with about 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently and set aside.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Arrange chicken breasts in a 9x13-inch baking dish with space between each piece.
  5. Spoon the prepared feta mixture evenly over each chicken breast, creating a layer on top.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part. The feta should be golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes for extra color, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours or up to 8 hours. The marinade can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts with slightly longer cooking time. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for less heat.