Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s loaded with flavor and a little bit of kick, look no further than this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This recipe combines the crunch of panko breadcrumbs, the heat from a tangy hot honey sauce, and the creamy deliciousness of crumbled feta cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Crunch: Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch thanks to the panko breadcrumb coating.
  • Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey drizzle gives a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavor that elevates the chicken.
  • Creamy with a Kick: Crumbled feta pairs brilliantly with the spice, adding a creamy, tangy layer.
  • Versatile and Easy: Simple ingredients mean you can whip up this gourmet delight anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in making this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken a standout dish. Let’s dive into what makes these ingredients so special.

  • Honey: The sweet base that balances the heat, it also helps to give the chicken its sticky, irresistible finish.
  • Hot Sauce: Key for adding spice; pick your favorite to give this dish your own unique touch.
  • Chicken Breasts: Use thin-sliced, which cook quickly and evenly, perfect for a crispy outside and juicy interior.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, providing the ultimate crunch.
  • Feta Cheese: Its creaminess cuts through the heat, offering a delicious savory note.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is just as flexible as it is delicious. Feel free to personalize it according to your dietary needs or ingredient availability, and make this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken truly yours.

  • Baked Option: If you prefer baking over frying, pre-toast the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and proceed with baking the chicken.
  • Softer Spice: Swap the hot sauce for a milder variety or reduce chili flakes to keep it family-friendly.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey

First, combine the honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Warm the mixture in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then stir well and let it cool. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while infusing the honey with just the right amount of spicy heat.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create uniformly thin pieces. In a small container, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. This seasoning will give both the flour and the breadcrumbs a delicious depth of flavor that carries through each bite.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour and half the seasoning mix, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko and the rest of the seasoning. Dredge each chicken piece through these in order, ensuring a complete coating, especially with the breadcrumbs for that essential crunch.

Step 4: Fry and Finish with Feta

Heat enough oil in a pan to coat its base over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and fry each side for 3-4 minutes until beautifully golden and crispy. Transfer to a rack, scatter feta over the chicken, and grill until it’s lightly golden. Drizzle with hot honey before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

  • Hot Honey Infusion: Heating the honey before adding spices ensures a more rapid and thorough infusion of flavor.
  • Chip-Free Chicken: Ensure chicken is dry before coating to keep the breadcrumbs from slipping off during frying.
  • The Perfect Feta Amount: Don’t be afraid to load up on feta—it melts beautifully over the chicken, balancing the sweet heat.
  • Oil Temperature Check: Check oil readiness by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle swiftly but not burn.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few arugula leaves can add a pop of color and a peppery contrast to the sweetness of the hot honey, enhancing both appearance and taste.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to let the flavors of the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken shine. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside roasted potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chicken on a rustic wooden board and drizzle the hot honey tableside for an interactive dining experience, or arrange slices over a vibrant salad for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey separate to preserve the chicken’s crisp texture.

Freezing

Freeze any extra cooked chicken by placing it in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Absolutely! Boneless thighs are often juicier and can add extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may need to cook a bit longer.

  2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

    Substitute the plain flour and panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives, and you’re all set for a gluten-free delight.

  3. What if I don’t have feta cheese?

    Try using goat cheese or another creamy cheese with a strong flavor. Each alternative will bring a different but delicious twist to the dish.

  4. Is the honey sauce very hot?

    The beauty of this sauce lies in its adjustability. Add or reduce hot sauce and chili flakes to suit your heat preference perfectly.

Final Thoughts

With its crisp texture, spicy-sweet glaze, and creamy cheese finish, Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a delightful symphony of flavors. I encourage you to cozy up with this recipe at your next meal and savor every bite. Bon appétit!

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Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 492 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavorful and crunchy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, topped with creamy feta cheese, and finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with a balanced combination of heat, sweetness, and crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey

  • 1/3 cup / 110g Honey
  • 1 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Frank’s or Cholula)
  • 3/4 tsp Chilli Flakes

For the Chicken

  • 2x 250g / 9oz Chicken Breasts
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 35g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
  • 2 Eggs, beaten
  • 65g / 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Veg Oil, as needed (6-8 tbsp)

For the Topping

  • 200g / 7oz Feta, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Make Hot Honey: Combine honey, hot sauce, and chilli flakes in a microwave-safe bowl or small pot. Warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds or bring to a simmer on the stove. Stir well and let cool. Adjust heat level by adding more chilli flakes or hot sauce if desired.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Horizontally slice each chicken breast through the center to create four even pieces. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with half of seasoning, another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with remaining seasoning. Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with seasoned panko. Place on a tray after coating.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and breadcrumb sizzles on contact. Fry chicken in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Add Feta and Grill: Distribute crumbled feta evenly over the fried chicken. Place under a hot grill on high until feta starts to turn golden and is buttery soft.
  6. Serve: Drizzle hot honey over the feta-topped chicken and serve immediately for a delicious contrast of spicy, sweet, creamy, and crispy textures.

Notes

  • Hot Honey – Easy to customize: infuse honey with chilli flakes and hot sauce for varied spice levels. Store leftovers in the fridge.
  • Alternative Baking Method – To bake instead of frying, toast breadcrumbs lightly, then bake chicken coated in seasoning at 220°C/430°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish with feta and broil if desired.
  • Serving Suggestions – Pair with fresh greens, potato wedges, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chilli flakes and hot sauce according to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with feta and honey
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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