This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs are topped with creamy feta and drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce that makes every bite delightful.
What’s not to love about cheesy, sticky goodness? I swear, this dish will have you cooking extra chicken just for the leftovers. Perfect for dinner or a yummy meal prep for the week!
Making this is a breeze! Just season the chicken, bake until crispy, and finish with crumbly feta and hot honey. Easy cleanup and maximum flavor—what a win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use skinless chicken tenders or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give extra crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the texture might be a bit denser. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a good substitution for those with dietary restrictions.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy tang to this dish. If you’re not a fan of feta, you might try goat cheese or even blue cheese for a different flavor twist.
Hot Sauce: I love using Sriracha for a nice mix of flavor and heat. If you want something milder, try a sweet chili sauce, or for more heat, a spicier option like Tabasco could work.
How Do I Get the Chicken Super Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy coating on the chicken is key! Here’s how to do it:
- First, let the raw chicken rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Make sure to dry the chicken well with paper towels; this helps the coating stick better.
- When dredging, ensure each chicken piece is coated thoroughly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
- Fry in hot oil! The oil should shimmer but not smoke, around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil hot and achieve an even crisp.
Following these tips will help you get that golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Happy cooking!
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha, adjusted to heat preference)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Cherry tomatoes and greens (arugula or spinach) for serving, optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and roughly 15 minutes for cooking, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying dinner. Altogether, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish, including all the crispy, cascading flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Coatings:
Start by setting up three shallow dishes. In the first one, add the flour and season it with salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs until combined. Then, in the third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. All set? Let’s move to the chicken!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better! Dredge each piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (check for an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels, which will keep them crispy!
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and red chili flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This will give your chicken that sweet and spicy kick that perfectly complements the flavors!
5. Assemble Your Dish:
Now it’s time to plate! Place the crispy chicken on a serving plate or on a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken, and finish it off with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with halved cherry tomatoes or some fresh herbs for added color and flavor. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy chicken, spicy-sweet honey, and creamy salty feta while it’s hot!
Enjoy your delightful and mouth-watering Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken!
FAQ for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are pounded to an even thickness to promote even cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as breasts may cook a little faster than thighs.
Can I Make Hot Honey Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir or microwave for a few seconds to warm it up before serving.
Can I Bake Instead of Fry the Chicken?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier version! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to preserve crispiness, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though it may lose some crunch.
