One evening last fall, I found myself staring at a lonely block of feta cheese and some chicken breasts in my fridge, wondering how to turn them into something exciting for dinner. I wasn’t in the mood for the usual baked chicken or a simple salad. I wanted something crispy, spicy, and just a little sweet—something that would wake up my tired taste buds after a long day. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of hot honey paired with salty, crumbly feta. The result? A crispy, spiced chicken dinner that felt both indulgent and fresh.
I’ve made this hot honey feta chicken recipe more times than I can count since that night. It’s quickly become my go-to when I want dinner that’s impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The crispy chicken skin with a spicy kick, balanced by the creamy, tangy feta and a drizzle of sticky hot honey? Yes, please. If you’re ready for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and texture, this recipe is going to be your new favorite too.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
This recipe has completely changed my weeknight dinner game. There are a handful of reasons I keep coming back to it, but here are the big ones:
- Perfect Crispy Skin Every Time — I’ve tried frying, baking, broiling—you name it. This method locks in crispiness without turning the chicken dry. My family notices when I get it right.
- Sweet Heat That’s Not Overpowering — The hot honey drizzle adds just the right amount of spicy sweetness. It’s a flavor combo that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Feta Adds a Tangy Richness — Crumbled feta is a game-changer here. It melts slightly and adds a creamy, salty punch that contrasts beautifully with the honey and spices.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor — You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to nail this. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
- Fast Cleanup — This comes together mostly in one skillet and a baking sheet. I love recipes that don’t leave me scrubbing for ages.
Honestly, this hot honey feta chicken has saved more than one dinner when I was short on time but still wanted to impress. It’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the best part: you probably have most of these ingredients already, and the few specialty items are easy to find. I’m picky about a few things here, so I’ll share my tips along the way.
- Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (4 pieces, about 2 pounds / 900g) — I prefer thighs for juiciness and crisp skin, but breasts work if that’s what you have.
- Feta cheese (½ cup / 75g, crumbled) — Get a good-quality block feta, not the crumbly, dry stuff in the container. It melts better and tastes fresher.
- Hot honey (3 tablespoons / 45ml) — You can buy this or make your own by gently warming honey with red pepper flakes. The sweet-spicy drizzle is the star here.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons) — Adds a smoky depth and gorgeous color to the chicken skin.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) — For a subtle garlicky background without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the pan.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon) — For an extra kick. Adjust based on your heat tolerance.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper — To taste. Don’t be shy with the salt; it helps crisp the skin and balance the flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons / 30ml) — Use a good quality extra virgin for flavor and crispiness.
- Fresh thyme or oregano (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional) — Adds a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the feta and honey.
Pro tip: If you don’t have hot honey, gently warm 3 tablespoons of regular honey with ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for 5 minutes. Let it cool before drizzling.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
- Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan — I love using my 10-inch cast iron skillet for even heat and crispy skin. If you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan works too.
- Baking sheet — For finishing the chicken if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
- Tongs — To flip the chicken without tearing the skin.
- Measuring spoons and cups — For accurate seasoning and honey drizzle.
- Small bowl — To mix the spice blend.
Quick note: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet and transfer to a baking sheet to finish in the oven.
How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! I’m walking you through exactly how I make this crispy, spiced chicken with that irresistible hot honey and feta combo.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Spice Mix (5 minutes)
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this is key for crisp skin). In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin if you can. Set aside while you heat your pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (8 minutes)
Heat olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down (listen for that satisfying sizzle). Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet—that’s okay.
Step 3: Bake to Finish (15-20 minutes)
Transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer chicken to a baking sheet before placing in the oven. This step cooks the chicken through and keeps it juicy.
Step 4: Add Feta and Honey (2 minutes)
Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top. Drizzle the hot honey generously over everything. If you’re using fresh herbs, sprinkle them on now. The warm feta will start to soften, and the honey will glaze the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides. I love this with a simple green salad or roasted veggies. The combination of crispy skin, spicy-sweet honey, and tangy feta is downright addictive.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Dry the chicken skin thoroughly — Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. I pat my chicken dry with paper towels twice before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — Give the chicken thighs room to sear properly. Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one — It holds heat evenly and gives the best sear. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times in my cast iron and never looked back.
- Let the chicken rest after baking — Five minutes of rest keeps the juices locked in.
- Make your own hot honey — It’s easy, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking. I always keep a jar in my fridge.
- For extra crunch — Sprinkle a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on top of the feta before drizzling honey.
Variations & Substitutions
Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, here’s how you can mix it up to keep things interesting:
- Chicken breasts instead of thighs — Use boneless, skin-on breasts for a leaner option. Adjust baking time to 12-15 minutes.
- Add roasted vegetables — Toss some cherry tomatoes or zucchini in the skillet for the last 10 minutes of baking for a one-pan meal.
- Swap feta for goat cheese — If you want a creamier texture and tangier flavor, goat cheese works beautifully.
- Make it dairy-free — Skip the feta and drizzle with extra hot honey and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- More spice — Add extra cayenne or a dash of chili powder to the spice rub for a bolder kick.
If you’re looking for other chicken recipes that deliver big flavor with simple prep, you might enjoy my garlic parmesan chicken crockpot recipe or the easy crockpot teriyaki chicken. Both are fantastic for busy weeknights when you want hands-off cooking.
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions:
- This hot honey feta chicken pairs amazingly with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
- For a cozy meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted baby potatoes.
- A side of crusty bread is perfect to soak up any leftover honey and feta juices.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
- The feta and honey are best fresh, so if possible, add them again after reheating.
- This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the honey and cheese, so I recommend enjoying it fresh.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough estimate per serving (recipe serves 4):
| Calories | 480 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
This recipe is rich and satisfying thanks to the feta and olive oil, with a good protein boost from the chicken thighs. If you want to lighten it up, swap in skinless chicken breasts and reduce the oil slightly. Adding a big side salad or veggies is a great way to balance the meal.
Final Thoughts
So that’s my beloved hot honey feta chicken recipe—crispy, spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once. I’ve talked your ear off, but I want you to feel confident making this because it’s truly a dinner that delivers every single time. It’s saved me on busy nights when I wanted something delicious without the stress.
Make it yours! Try adding fresh herbs, swapping the feta for goat cheese, or cranking up the heat with extra cayenne. The best recipes are the ones you make your own.
If you give this a try, drop a comment and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing your twists and troubleshooting any hiccups. Happy cooking! And may your kitchen smell as amazing as mine always does when this is in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this hot honey feta chicken?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skin-on chicken breasts work well too. Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes since breasts cook faster. The skin won’t be quite as crispy as thighs, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Q: What if I don’t have hot honey? Can I make it myself?
A: Yes! Simply warm up 3 tablespoons of honey with about ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan for 5 minutes, then let it cool. This homemade hot honey is easy and lets you control the spice level.
Q: My chicken skin wasn’t crispy. What did I do wrong?
A: The biggest culprit is moisture. Make sure to pat your chicken skin very dry before seasoning and searing. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each piece space to crisp up properly. Lastly, be patient and avoid flipping too soon.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep the spice rub and pat the chicken dry ahead, but I recommend cooking it fresh for best crispy results. If you want to save time, make the hot honey in advance and store it in the fridge.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers without losing the crispiness?
A: Reheating in a skillet over low heat with a lid on helps maintain moisture without sogging the skin too much. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crisp. You might lose some crispiness, but the flavors will still be great.
Q: Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
A: Yes! Goat cheese offers a creamier texture and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with hot honey and spices. Just crumble it on top the same way and drizzle the honey over.
Q: What sides go best with hot honey feta chicken?
A: I love simple roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. If you’re in the mood for carbs, garlic roasted baby potatoes or crockpot chicken tortellini make fantastic companions for this dish.
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Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A crispy, spiced chicken dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs with a spicy hot honey drizzle and tangy crumbled feta cheese, perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
- ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) hot honey
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or oregano, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mix all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is deep golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 2 minutes. The chicken will not be fully cooked yet.
- Transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer chicken to a baking sheet before baking.
- Remove chicken from oven and sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top.
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the chicken and feta.
- If using fresh herbs, sprinkle them on now.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
[‘Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness.’, ‘Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken.’, ‘Use a cast iron skillet for best sear and even heat.’, ‘Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.’, ‘Make your own hot honey by warming honey with red pepper flakes if unavailable.’, ‘For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top of feta before drizzling honey.’, ‘If using chicken breasts, reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes.’, ‘Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness; avoid microwave.’, ‘This dish does not freeze well due to honey and cheese.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 38
Keywords: hot honey feta chicken, crispy chicken thighs, spicy chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, feta cheese chicken, honey chicken
