This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The juicy, golden-brown chicken is coated in crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, topped with creamy, tangy feta, and finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy honey. It's a dish that balances heat, saltiness, and crispiness in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 large chicken breasts (about 500g total)
⅓ cup (110g) honey
1 ½ teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s or Cholula)
¾ teaspoon chili flakes
2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup (35g) plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup (65g) Panko breadcrumbs
6-8 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes. Microwave for 20 seconds, stir, and set aside.
Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four even pieces.
In another bowl, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
Prepare three shallow dishes:
One with flour and half of the seasoning mix.
One with beaten eggs.
One with Panko breadcrumbs and the remaining seasoning.
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned Panko.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Sprinkle crumbled feta over the fried chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
Drizzle the prepared hot honey over the chicken and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 512 kcal
Variations
Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spicier Option: Add extra cayenne or use a spicier hot sauce in the honey drizzle.
Different Cheese: Swap feta for blue cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Panko and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Air Fryer Method: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to keep the crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding extra time.
FAQs
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Using Panko breadcrumbs and frying at the right temperature (medium-high heat) ensures a crispy coating. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great. They may need an extra minute per side when frying.
What can I serve with this dish?
I love serving it with a simple side salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with rice or a warm piece of crusty bread.
Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Yes, the hot honey can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What’s the best way to broil the feta without burning it?
Keep a close eye on the feta while broiling, as it melts quickly. Setting the oven rack a few inches below the broiler helps prevent burning.
Conclusion
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a deliciously crunchy, creamy, and sweet-spicy dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether fried or baked, it’s a guaranteed hit for dinner. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Recipe:
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, topped with tangy crumbled feta, and drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (about 500g total)
⅓ cup (110g) honey
1 ½ tsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s or Cholula)
¾ tsp chili flakes
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ cup (35g) plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup (65g) Panko breadcrumbs
6-8 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Hot Honey:
- In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes. Microwave for 20 seconds, stir, and set aside.
2️⃣ Season & Coat Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Set up 3 shallow dishes:
- One with flour + half of the seasoning mix.
- One with beaten eggs.
- One with Panko + remaining seasoning.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with seasoned Panko.
3️⃣ Cook Chicken:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
4️⃣ Broil with Feta:
- Sprinkle crumbled feta over the chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Drizzle hot honey over the chicken and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Spicier: Add extra cayenne or use a hotter sauce.
Cheese Swap: Use blue cheese or goat cheese instead of feta.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko and flour.
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying (with baking & air-frying options)
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~512 kcal
