If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and full of flavor, this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is exactly what you need! The crispy chicken is perfectly balanced with the sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, and the creamy feta takes it all to another level. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout meal for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a game-changer! The chicken comes out golden and crispy, while the hot honey gives it that irresistible sweet and spicy kick. The creamy feta cheese brings everything together, making each bite a little bit different and a lot more exciting. It’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need (the full list is below):
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Flour
- Hot honey
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
And for the full list of ingredients, be sure to check out the section below!
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken. If you’re using breasts, you can either leave them whole or slice them into cutlets for quicker cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s fully coated for that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the hot honey over low heat. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, and stir until it’s smooth and heated through. If you like it spicier, you can add a bit of cayenne or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
Step 4: Top with Feta
Once the chicken is crispy and ready, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. Then, crumble some feta cheese over the chicken. The heat from the chicken and honey will slightly melt the feta, making it extra creamy and delicious.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Double coat the chicken for extra crispiness. After dipping in the egg and breadcrumbs, you can dip it again for an extra layer of crunch.
- If you like things extra spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha over the top.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful version of this dish. They stay tender and juicy even when fried.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: Feel free to use thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor.
- Don’t have feta? Crumbled goat cheese or even ricotta salata will work in place of the feta for a creamy, salty topping.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad with arugula and a lemon vinaigrette. For something heartier, try it with mashed potatoes or a side of couscous. And don’t forget to serve it with a cold glass of white wine—something crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would work perfectly!
Storage and Reheating Tips
While this dish is best served fresh to keep the crispiness intact, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and pop it in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to keep the crispy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
4 FAQs
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes! To bake, coat the chicken as you would for frying and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey? Yes, you can. Just add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to regular honey to achieve that sweet and spicy flavor.
- Can I use a different cheese? While feta adds a nice tang, you can also use goat cheese or even mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time? Definitely! You can make the hot honey sauce a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just heat it up before serving.
Conclusion
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a dish that delivers on all fronts—crispy, sweet, spicy, and savory. The combination of hot honey and feta makes it truly special, and it’s the perfect way to elevate your dinner routine. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this chicken will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Simple ingredients, big flavor—what’s not to love?
PrintCrispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone craving something crispy, spicy, and full of flavor. The crispy chicken is beautifully complemented by a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, while the creamy feta cheese adds an extra layer of richness. A balance of textures and flavors that makes this dish a standout for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: 4 (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Flour: 1 cup (for dredging)
- Hot honey: 1/2 cup
- Feta cheese: 3/4 cup, crumbled
- Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons (for frying)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: Heat hot honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and stir until smooth. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.
- Top with Feta: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken, then crumble feta cheese on top. The heat from the chicken will slightly melt the feta, adding a creamy texture.
Notes
- Double coat the chicken for extra crispiness by dipping it again in egg and breadcrumbs.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or drizzle sriracha over the top.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg