Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that combines crunchy, golden-brown chicken with tangy feta cheese and a sweet-spicy hot honey drizzle. The crispy coating is packed with herbs and Parmesan, while the feta adds a creamy, salty kick. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite!
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For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into cutlets (or 4 small chicken breasts)
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or 1 egg, beaten)
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
For Garnish:
- ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create cutlets.
- In a bowl, coat the chicken in buttermilk (or beaten egg) and let it sit for 10 minutes while preparing the breading.
Step 2: Make the Breading
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoned breading, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, warm the honey, red pepper flakes, hot sauce (if using), and melted butter over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Place the crispy chicken on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick!
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or more hot sauce to the honey drizzle.
- For an air fryer version: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- No feta? Try crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Make it lighter: Use a baked version by spraying the breaded chicken with oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
The crispy chicken coating locks in juiciness, while the Hot Honey drizzle adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. The feta cheese enhances the dish with its creamy, salty bite, making each bite bold and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish that brings together crunch, spice, and sweetness in the best way. Whether for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home! 🍗🍯🔥
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components of this dish ahead of time. The chicken cutlets can be breaded and refrigerated, uncooked, for up to 4 hours before frying. You can also make the hot honey drizzle and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the drizzle gently before serving. For best results, fry the chicken just before serving and assemble the dish immediately to maintain crispiness.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this recipe?
Certainly! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1 egg, beaten, or a mixture of ½ cup milk and ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken. For the panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be slightly less crispy. Goat cheese can be used as a substitute for feta cheese, offering a similar tangy flavor. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey drizzle to your preferred level of spiciness.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the cutlet. Visually, the chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. When you cut into it, the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque throughout, with no pinkness remaining. The cooking time of 4-5 minutes per side is a guideline; always rely on a thermometer for accuracy.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. When doubling or tripling, you’ll likely need to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken. You may also need to increase the size of your skillet. Adjust the cooking time slightly, keeping a close eye on the chicken to ensure it browns evenly. Prepare the hot honey drizzle and breading in larger quantities to accommodate the increased amount of chicken.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken?
This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken. The feta cheese adds calcium and some healthy fats. The panko breadcrumbs and flour provide carbohydrates for energy, while the herbs and spices contribute antioxidants and flavor. The honey in the drizzle adds natural sweetness, and the red pepper flakes may offer some metabolic benefits. Be mindful of the oil used for frying, and consider using a healthier oil option if desired.
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
A deliciously crispy chicken dish glazed with hot honey and complemented by crumbled feta.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese for topping
- 1 cup honey mixed with 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Drizzle hot honey mixture over the chicken and top with crumbled feta.
Notes
For a spicier kick, adjust the chili flakes according to your preference.
