This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty treat! The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and topped with sweet and spicy honey and creamy feta cheese—yum!
Who knew chicken could get this exciting? I love serving it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You might want to make extra; it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish. They’re easy to cook and tender. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well, too, just adjust the cooking time as they may take longer.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but they might not be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or even finely chopped nuts can add a different texture.
Hot Honey: I love using hot honey for that sweet and spicy combo. If you can’t find it, simply mix honey with a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a homemade version.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a lovely tang. If you’re not a fan, try crumbled goat cheese or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for something a little different.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that crispy exterior is all about the breading and frying technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pound the chicken to ensure even cooking—it helps the breading stick better.
- Press the panko mixture firmly onto the chicken. This creates a thicker crust that crisps nicely when fried.
- Fry in hot oil! Make sure it’s sizzling when you add the chicken. This helps seal the outside quickly, creating that golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches if needed to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring crispiness throughout.
Letting the chicken rest on paper towels after frying helps absorb excess oil and keeps it crispy until serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy chicken! 🍗
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes, for serving
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes. With tender, crispy chicken topped with hot honey and feta, it’s worth every second!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by laying the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and come out tender!
2. Set Up Dredging Stations:
Next, create your three bowls for breading. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack and beat the eggs. In your third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Now it’s time to bread the chicken! Start by dredging each piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko mixture. Remember to press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well for extra crispiness!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is nice and hot, carefully add the breaded chicken. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and crispy. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, place the crispy pieces on a serving plate. Drizzle them generously with hot honey for that sweet and spicy kick!
6. Add Feta:
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the warm chicken. The heat will slightly soften the feta, adding a delicious creamy element to the dish.
7. Serve:
To finish off, garnish your plate with halved cherry tomatoes and a fresh bed of arugula or mixed greens on the side. This adds a lovely color and freshness to your meal!
8. Enjoy:
Dig in immediately to enjoy the perfect mix of crispy chicken, sweet hot honey, and tangy feta. This dish is mouthwatering!
This recipe serves two, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. Pair with a salad or steamed veggies for a full meal! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ: Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, you can swap them out for boneless thighs for a juicier option. Just remember that thighs may need a longer cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the spiciness to your liking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to keep that crispy coating intact.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and bread it in advance. Store the breaded chicken uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and keeps the chicken juicy!
