CRISPY HOT HONEY FETA CHICKEN BEST

Craving something that’s both comforting and exciting, a dish that dances on your tongue with sweet, spicy, and savory notes? Imagine biting into perfectly crispy chicken, drizzled with a luscious hot honey, and then that creamy, tangy feta melting in your mouth. This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe is *the* answer to your flavor prayers, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying (or more as needed)

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite chili garlic sauce)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)

For the Feta Topping:

• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep: Pro Tips for Crispy Perfection

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about getting that *perfectly* crispy chicken. Because let’s be real, nobody wants soggy chicken! Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Pound it out: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook evenly and quickly. I just place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet.
• Dry is key: Pat your chicken pieces *completely* dry with paper towels before you start. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• The dredge matters: Don’t skip the flour! It helps the egg adhere and creates a lovely, crispy crust. Make sure your flour mixture is well-seasoned – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from!
• Panko power: Panko breadcrumbs are my secret weapon for extra crispy chicken. They’re larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they stay crispier for longer.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not frying!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Preparing the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
3. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere.
5. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Frying Time: Achieving Golden Brown Goodness

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a breadcrumb dropped into it sizzles immediately.
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Hot Honey Magic: Sweet and Spicy Perfection

1. While the chicken is frying, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

The Grand Finale: Assembly and Serving

1. Place the crispy fried chicken on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce.
3. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Chicken Dinner

This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all that delicious hot honey sauce.
• In a Salad: Toss the chicken with a fresh green salad, adding some extra feta, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a healthy and flavorful meal.
• On a Sandwich: Make a Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken sandwich on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of mayonnaise.
• As Tacos: Chop up the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings!

Variations: Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up: If you like things extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the amount of hot sauce in the hot honey.
• Sweeten it up: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce and add a touch more honey.
• Cheese swap: Don’t have feta? Try using goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary. Add them to the flour mixture or sprinkle them over the finished dish.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Be sure to check out my recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves for a comforting and flavorful meal. Or, if you’re short on time, my Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe is a quick and easy weeknight winner. For those craving something similar, but not quite, there’s also Hot Honey Feta Chicken. Need something for the smoker? Then try Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken, you wont regret it! Additionally, for a fun party snack, try the Bbq Chicken Flatbread, and for a delicious light lunch, the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are sure to be a hit!

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Even the best cooks encounter hiccups sometimes! Here are a few common issues you might run into when making Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken, and how to fix them:

• Chicken isn’t crispy enough: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, and pat the chicken dry before breading.
• Chicken is burning on the outside but not cooked through: Reduce the heat to medium and continue frying until the chicken is cooked through. You can also finish cooking the chicken in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for a few minutes.
• Hot honey is too spicy: Add a little more honey to balance out the heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can also help.
• Feta is melting too much: Add the feta right before serving so it doesn’t melt completely.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to overcook it. The microwave is an option, but it might make the chicken a little soggy.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my recipe for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken! I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe delivers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Crispy chicken is drizzled with hot honey and topped with creamy, tangy feta cheese for an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s easier to make than you think and perfect for a comforting yet exciting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying or more as needed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce such as sriracha or your favorite chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

• Shallow dishes
• large skillet
• small saucepan
• wire rack
• paper towels
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• tongs
• spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• whisk
• Rolling pin or meat mallet (optional)

Method

 

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
3. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere.
5. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a breadcrumb dropped into it sizzles immediately.
7. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
8. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. While the chicken is frying, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
11. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
12. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
13. Place the crispy fried chicken on a serving platter.
14. Drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce.
15. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
16. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken dry before breading and use panko breadcrumbs. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. You can adjust the spice level of the hot honey to your preference. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or skillet. Try serving over rice, in a salad, with roasted vegetables, or on a sandwich. Experiment with different herbs or cheeses to customize the recipe to your liking.