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Feta Chicken with Honey

4.5 from 133 reviews

This Feta Chicken Dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with a flavorful marinade of honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and spices, topped with a creamy, slightly tangy feta cheese mixture. The dish is finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, making it a perfect savory and balanced meal with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Feta Topping

  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning: Sample the marinade and add more red pepper flakes for extra spice or more honey if you’d prefer a sweeter flavor balance.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each breast is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  4. Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though 2 to 4 hours will deepen the flavors significantly.
  5. Prepare feta mixture: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently to integrate.
  6. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking.
  7. Arrange chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off; discard the marinade. Place the chicken in a baking dish in a single layer.
  8. Add feta topping: Spoon the feta cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering their surfaces.
  9. Bake: Cook the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta is bubbly and slightly golden. For an extra golden finish, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end if desired.
  10. Rest the chicken: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Prepare to serve: Arrange your serving platter with fresh greens or roasted vegetables and slice lemon into wedges.
  12. Garnish and serve: Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining juices from the baking dish along with the lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies flavor but do not exceed 8 hours to avoid texture changes.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety and juiciness.
  • Broiling the feta topping at the end adds flavor and a desirable golden crust.
  • This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, salads, or a side of quinoa or rice.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: Feta chicken, baked chicken, honey marinade, Mediterranean chicken, feta cheese topping, healthy chicken recipe