This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken gets a flavorful topping of creamy feta and sweet, spicy honey that makes every bite delicious.
I love how simple it is to make too! Just bake it until crispy and enjoy the mix of spicy and sweet. Serve it with a salad or some bread, and you’re all set for a great meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Choose large, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! They stay juicy and flavorful.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create the perfect crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but your coating may not be as crispy.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can substitute agave syrup or maple syrup. Both will still give a lovely sweetness!
Feta Cheese: I love the tangy flavor of feta here, but feel free to substitute goat cheese for a creamier texture or even ricotta for something milder.
Spices: I use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you want a bit of heat without the smoke, you could switch to regular paprika or cayenne pepper.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy chicken is all about the right breading technique. Here’s my method to achieve that crunch:
- Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- Dust the chicken with flour first, which helps the egg wash stick better. Shake off any excess flour.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken once it’s dipped in the egg. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Fry in hot oil (around 350°F) to get that golden color and crunchy texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature.
Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve deliciously crispy chicken every time!
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 2 large chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Frying: Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- For Serving:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cut or crumbled into small cubes
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes about 10 minutes for the prep work and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
Start by setting up your breading stations. In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give every bite a nice flavor!
2. Dredge the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. This layering helps create that crispy outside!
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, you can make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes and then remove from heat. This sauce will add a deliciously sweet and spicy kick!
5. Plate the Dish:
To serve, place the crispy chicken breasts over a bed of fresh arugula and halved cherry tomatoes. Generously drizzle the hot honey over the top of the chicken.
6. Add the Feta:
Finish by topping the dish with small cubes or crumbles of feta cheese. This adds a creamy element that pairs perfectly with the spicy sweetness of the honey.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken hot and crispy! This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or your favorite grains. Each bite bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just keep in mind that thighs may take a bit longer to cook than breasts, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy, as microwaving might make them soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, consider using goat cheese for a creamier texture or blue cheese for a stronger flavor. Cream cheese can work too, just crumble or spread it over the chicken before drizzling with hot honey!
