If you are searching for a dish that balances bold flavors with a gorgeous crispy texture, look no further than the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This recipe brings together golden, crunchy chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned panko crust, topped with creamy, tangy feta that melts into a slightly golden, buttery layer. The magic is completed with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey that tingles your taste buds and keeps you coming back for more. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, ready to excite your family and friends at your next meal.

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken just right is all about simple, thoughtful ingredients that each play a starring role. From the sweet and fiery notes of honey and hot sauce to the fragrant spices and crunchy panko, every component adds texture, flavor, or color to shine on your plate.

Honey (1/3 cup / 110g): Provides luscious sweetness that balances the heat perfectly.
Hot Sauce (1 1/2 tsp): Choose your favorite like Frank’s or Cholula for that smoky, tangy kick.
Chilli Flakes (3/4 tsp): Adds an extra layer of spicy warmth.
Chicken Breasts (2 x 250g/9oz): The tender, juicy heart of the dish.
Paprika (2 tsp): Brings a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful red hue.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild, savory sweetness.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Complements the savory spices with comforting garlic notes.
Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): Offers a touch of herbal brightness.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Supplies a subtle peppery warmth.
Cayenne Pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives an extra spicy kick while balancing the flavors.
Plain Flour (35g / 1/4 cup): Helps create the first coating layer for better crispiness.
Eggs (2, beaten): Acts as the adhesive between the flour and panko for the perfect crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs (65g / 1 cup): Offers light, crunchy texture unlike regular breadcrumbs.
Vegetable Oil (6-8 tbsp): For frying, ensuring a golden, crisp crust.
Feta (200g / 7oz, crumbled): Adds creamy, tangy richness as a stunning topping.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

Begin by blending the honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a small bowl and warming it gently. This lets the flavors marry beautifully and softens the honey for a smooth drizzle. Whether you use the microwave or stove, just heat enough to bring the sauce to a gentle warmth, then allow it to cool while you prep the chicken. This sauce is where the dish gets its signature balance of sweet heat, so feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

Step 2: Season and Slice the Chicken

Next, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four even pieces. This not only helps in cooking the chicken quickly and evenly but also gives you perfect-sized portions. Combine all your dry seasonings—paprika, salt, onion and garlic powders, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper—in a small bowl. This spice blend will infuse each coating layer with a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Set Up Your Coating Station

Organize three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with half the seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko combined with the remaining seasoning. This classic breading technique ensures the chicken will have a crunchy, flavorful crust. Thoroughly dredge each piece through flour, egg, then panko, pressing down gently to secure the breadcrumbs for that unbeatable crispiness when fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle immediately. Carefully lay the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until each piece is deep golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through. Using a wire rack to drain excess oil keeps the coating crisp, so avoid placing the chicken directly on paper towels.

Step 5: Add Feta and Grill

Once fried, generously crumble feta all over the chicken. Pop the pieces under a high grill just long enough for the feta to melt slightly and turn golden around the edges. This step transforms the feta into a creamy, buttery topping with a gorgeous crisp that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken beneath.

Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey and Serve

Finish the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken with your preferred amount of the prepared hot honey sauce drizzled over. This vibrant finish amps up the spicy-sweet contrast and adds a beautiful glossy sheen. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect combination of textures and flavors at their best.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh, bright note that contrasts beautifully against the spicy honey and tangy feta. For an extra pop of color and texture, consider thin slices of fresh red chili or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds.

Side Dishes

The crispy, bold flavors of this chicken pair wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. Think crisp mixed greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the heat and crunch. A light cucumber salad with a hint of mint can also refresh your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken on a rustic wooden board layered with arugula or baby spinach for an inviting look. For an elegant touch, serve with small bowls of extra hot honey for dipping or drizzling at the table, letting guests customize heat levels to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains delicious for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly. Keep the hot honey sauce separately to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken, but for best results, freeze before adding the feta topping. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) on a wire rack to help the crust crisp back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture. Add fresh crumbled feta and a quick hot honey drizzle after warming for that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you more juicy, flavorful meat, but remember they may take a little longer to cook through. Adjust your frying time accordingly and always check for doneness.

How spicy is the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken?

The heat level is quite balanced, with the sweetness of honey tempering the kick from hot sauce and chili flakes. You can easily tweak the spice by reducing or increasing the hot sauce and chili flakes to suit your taste.

Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, seasoned regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko offers a much lighter, crunchier texture that’s ideal for this recipe. You could also try crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips for an extra crunch and hint of flavor.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the plain flour and panko breadcrumbs for certified gluten-free versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the dish shines just as brightly.

What’s the best way to melt the feta?

Grilling under high heat for a few minutes is perfect for melting the feta just enough to get it creamy with golden spots. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t dry out; it should be buttery soft with a slight crust.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken, it will quickly become a beloved recipe in your kitchen repertoire. The combination of crunchy coating, spicy-sweet sauce, and creamy feta is pure magic that’s both simple and sensational. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds – this dish is too good to resist.

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe combines juicy, crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust, topped with buttery soft feta cheese and drizzled with a spicy, sweet hot honey sauce. Perfect for a delicious dinner that delivers a harmonious blend of heat, sweetness, and savory notes.

Instructions

Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, and chilli flakes in a bowl and warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or gently heat on the stove until just simmering. Stir and set aside to cool. Adjust the heat level by adding more chilli flakes or hot sauce if desired.
Slice and Season Chicken: Horizontally slice each chicken breast through the center to create 4 even pieces. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
Coat Chicken Pieces: Line up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with half the seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining seasoning. Dredge each chicken piece through flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough and even coating at each step. Place coated chicken pieces on a tray.
Fry Chicken: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to coat the base. When the oil is hot enough that breadcrumbs sizzle upon contact, fry chicken in batches if necessary. Cook each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack set over the tray to drain.
Top with Feta and Grill: Distribute crumbled feta evenly over the fried chicken pieces, covering as much surface as possible. Place under a high grill until the feta begins to turn golden, becoming buttery soft and slightly crisp on top.
Serve: Drizzle the prepared hot honey sauce over the feta-topped chicken and serve immediately. Store any leftover hot honey tightly sealed in the fridge for future use.

Notes

You can adjust the spiciness of the hot honey by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes.
Use a wire rack after frying to keep the chicken crispy by letting excess oil drain away.
If you don’t have a grill, you can briefly place the chicken under a broiler to melt and brown the feta.
Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Leftover hot honey keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying and Grilling
Cuisine: American