Get ready to dazzle your taste buds with the irresistible flavor explosion that is Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken! This dish melds the fiery sweetness of hot honey with the creamy tang of feta, all enveloped by a crunchy, golden-brown crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress at your next gathering, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit over and over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fiery and Sweet: The hot honey adds a fiery sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory elements.
- Crunch Factor: Panko breadcrumbs ensure a crispy, satisfying crust every time.
- Feta Finish: The creamy feta topping adds a tangy richness that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for both an indulgent family meal or as a hit dish at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own special something to the table, whether it’s a burst of flavor or a satisfying texture.
- Honey: Offers a sweet base for our hot honey, naturally thickening as it cools after heating.
- Hot Sauce: Adds an essential kick, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
- Chicken Breasts: A blank canvas, these absorb all those beautiful spices and stay juicy thanks to the coating.
- Feta: Crumbles of creamy, tangy feta provide a rich topping, perfect for the spicy-sweet base.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make it your own! This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken can easily be adapted with your favorite ingredients or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes and hot sauce to dial up or tone down the heat according to your preference.
- Bake Instead: For a healthier twist, bake the chicken after coating instead of frying.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey
First, mix honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Warm it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to infuse the flavors, then let it cool. This transforms the honey into a spicy-sweet delight.
Step 2: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create even pieces. Prepare your station with three bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken piece through this lineup, ensuring a thorough coat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once a breadcrumb sizzles, it’s ready for the chicken. Fry each piece until it’s a beautiful golden brown, then transfer to a wire rack to keep it crispy.
Step 4: Add the Feta and Finish
Sprinkle crumbled feta over the warm chicken and place it under a hot grill. Let it brown and melt slightly—it’s the perfect creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Oil Temperature: Use a high-heat oil and ensure it’s properly hot so the chicken crisps up without becoming greasy.
- Even Coating: Press the panko onto the chicken, ensuring it adheres well, for a perfect crunch.
- Grill with Care: Watch the feta closely under the grill to avoid burning, aiming for a light golden hue.
- Honey Infusion: Infuse your honey ahead of time to allow flavors to fully develop.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Garnishes
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the rich flavors. A sprinkle of chili flakes can also add an appealing touch for those who love a little extra spice.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp arugula salad or roasted vegetables. Potato wedges or fluffy rice are excellent for soaking up every last drop of hot honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving on rustic wooden boards lined with parchment for a casual vibe, or on elegant platters with staggered feta and herb garnishes for a touch of sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Make sure to keep the hot honey drizzled separately to maintain the crispiness until serving.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken without the hot honey. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, use an oven at 180°C/350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy texture, ideal over microwave reheating which can cause sogginess.
FAQs
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Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing the hot honey ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator.
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Is there a way to reduce the spiciness?
Reduce or omit the chili flakes, and choose a milder hot sauce or none at all to lessen the heat without losing flavor.
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What type of honey should I use?
A regular, good-quality honey works perfectly. Avoid using flavored honey as it may clash with other ingredients.
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Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Yes, crumbly goat cheese can be a great alternative, though it will impart a different flavor. Ensure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a flavorful twist to your dinner routine, give this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken a try. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that combines sweet heat and creamy feta goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, topped with crumbled feta cheese, and glazed with a spicy sweet hot honey sauce. This recipe offers a delicious balance of crispy texture, savory spice, and tangy creaminess, perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey
- 1/3 cup / 110g Honey
- 1 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce (Frank’s or Cholula)
- 3/4 tsp Chilli Flakes
For the Chicken
- 2x 250g/9oz Chicken Breasts, horizontally sliced into 4 fillets
- 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
- Prepare the Hot Honey: Combine honey, hot sauce, and chilli flakes in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 20 seconds, then stir and allow to cool. Alternatively, simmer gently on the stove until heated through, then cool. Adjust heat level to taste.
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally through the center to create 4 even fillets. In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Set up Dredging Stations: Line up three shallow dishes—one with flour mixed with half of the seasoning, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with Panko mixed with remaining seasoning. Place a large tray at the end for coated chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Place on the tray as you go.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles, fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack.
- Finish with Feta and Grill: Top the fried chicken with crumbled feta. Place under a high grill until feta is slightly browned and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey over the chicken and feta. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Hot Honey – Infuse honey with chili flakes and hot sauce for a spicy-sweet condiment. Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Baking Option – Instead of frying, bake breadcrumbs at 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes, then coat chicken, spray with oil, and bake at 220°C/430°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serving Suggestions – Serve with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges for a complete meal.
- Leftovers – Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fillet with feta and honey
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
