Spanish-Greek Chicken with Hot Honey & Whipped Feta
Description:
This vibrant dish fuses Mediterranean flavors with a Spanish twist: juicy chicken seasoned with warm spices, pan-seared or grilled to perfection, drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey, and served over creamy whipped feta. It’s paired with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it perfect for a nourishing yet bold meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Hot Honey:
⅓ cup honey
1–2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For the Whipped Feta:
1 cup feta cheese (block form, not crumbled)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small garlic clove (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Optional Add-ons:
Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives
Toasted pita or flatbread
Roasted red peppers
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight in the fridge).
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden-brown. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
3. Make the Hot Honey:
In a small saucepan, combine honey and chili flakes. Warm over low heat for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in vinegar. Remove from heat and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
4. Whip the Feta:
In a food processor, combine feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic (if using).
Blend until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to use.
5. Assemble:
Spread whipped feta on a plate.
Top with sliced chicken.
Drizzle with hot honey.
Garnish with herbs, fresh veggies, and pita if desired.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (+30 min marinade optional)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes (excluding marinade)
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 4 servings)
Component Amount
Calories ~450–500 kcal
Protein 32g
Carbs 18g
Sugars (from honey) 10–12g
Fat 28g
Saturated Fat 10g
Fiber 1–2g
Sodium ~800–900mg
(May vary based on specific ingredients and quantities.)
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Just be careful not to overcook breast meat—it can dry out faster than thighs.
Q: How spicy is the hot honey?
A: Mild to medium heat. You can adjust the chili flakes or use hot sauce instead.
Q: Can I make the whipped feta ahead of time?
A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version of whipped feta?
A: Try a blend of vegan feta-style cheese and coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Couscous, lemon rice, roasted potatoes, or a Greek salad are great options.