If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful dinner recipe that combines crispy textures, creamy feta, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey, look no further than Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This dish takes golden-fried chicken, coats it in crumbled feta, and finishes with a deliciously warm honey glaze that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Incredibly crispy texture – The panko coating ensures a perfect crunch.
- Sweet & spicy contrast – The hot honey adds a unique balance of heat and sweetness.
- Creamy & salty feta topping – The crumbled feta melts slightly, adding a deliciously rich flavor.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether for a family dinner or a dinner party, this dish impresses every time.
- Easy to customize – Adjust spice levels and serve with your favorite sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Hot Honey
- 1/3 cup (110g) honey
- 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce (Frank’s or Cholula preferred)
- 3/4 tsp chili flakes
For the Chicken
- 2x 250g/9oz chicken breasts
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 35g (1/4 cup) plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 65g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, as needed (6-8 tbsp)
- 200g (7oz) crumbled feta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey
- In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes.
- Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds or warm in a small saucepan until just simmering.
- Stir well and let it cool so the flavors infuse.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Horizontally slice each chicken breast in half to create four thinner pieces.
- In a bowl, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Divide the seasoning in half – one half for the flour mixture and the other half for the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Flour + half of the seasoning mix.
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs.
- Dish 3: Panko breadcrumbs + the remaining seasoning mix.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, dip into the egg, and coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken on a tray or wire rack while you prepare the pan.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Add the Feta and Broil
- Sprinkle crumbled feta generously over the crispy chicken.
- Place the chicken under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the feta begins to melt and turn golden brown.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey and Serve
- Drizzle the hot honey generously over the crispy feta-covered chicken.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted Potatoes or Potato Wedges – A crispy, hearty side.
- Arugula or Rocket Salad – Adds freshness to balance the richness.
- Garlic Butter Rice – A simple yet flavorful accompaniment.
- Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus work great!
Tips for the Best Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
1. Adjust the Heat
- Prefer it milder? Reduce the chili flakes and hot sauce in the honey.
- Love extra spice? Add extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning or more hot sauce to the honey.
2. Baking Option
If you prefer baking instead of frying:
- Toast the panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Follow the same dredging process and bake the coated chicken at 430°F (220°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Use a Wire Rack for Extra Crispiness
- Resting the fried chicken on a wire rack prevents sogginess.
- Avoid placing directly on paper towels, as steam can make the crust soft.
4. Make the Hot Honey in Advance
- Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Reheat slightly before drizzling over the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and bread the chicken up to 8 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge until ready to fry.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the crispy coating.
4. Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes! Many supermarkets sell pre-made hot honey, but making it at home allows you to customize the spice level.
Print🔥 Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken – A Flavor Explosion!
Golden, crunchy chicken topped with creamy feta and drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey—this is the kind of dinner that makes you close your eyes after the first bite! 🍯🌶️ The contrast of crispy, tangy, and sweet is simply irresistible. Serve it with arugula and potato wedges, or your favorite sides, for a meal that feels like a restaurant special at home. Try it tonight—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
Hot Honey:
- 1/3 cup (110g) honey
- 1½ tsp hot sauce (Frank’s or Cholula)
- ¾ tsp chili flakes
Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced into 4 thin pieces)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup (35g) flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (65g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 6–8 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 7 oz (200g) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Hot Honey – Warm honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in the microwave (20 sec) or on the stove. Stir and let cool.
2️⃣ Season & Coat Chicken – Mix paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. In 3 separate dishes:
- Mix flour + half the seasoning.
- Beaten eggs in another.
- Panko + remaining seasoning in the third.
- Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in Panko.
3️⃣ Fry the Chicken – Heat oil in a pan over medium-high. Once hot, fry chicken for 3–4 mins per side until crispy and golden. Let rest on a wire rack.
4️⃣ Melt the Feta – Top each piece of chicken with crumbled feta and broil on high until the cheese is golden and soft.
5️⃣ Drizzle & Serve – Pour the hot honey over the chicken and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner recipe, Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a must-try! The combination of crunchy, golden-fried chicken, creamy melted feta, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet honey creates a restaurant-worthy dish that’s easy to make at home.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how you liked it! 🍯🔥🧀