This Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a yummy treat! The chicken is crispy on the outside and topped with sweet and spicy hot honey along with creamy feta. What a combo!
I love how quick this dish is to make, and each bite is a fun adventure of flavors. Don’t be surprised if you catch me sneaking bites while it cooks! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are key for this dish. However, you can use thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just remember, thighs may need a bit more cooking time.
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to get that sweet and spicy combo. I love trying different heat levels!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a nice crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but they won’t be as crispy. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be a great substitute!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you want a different flavor, try goat cheese or even ricotta, but feta is my favorite for its unique taste that pairs well with the honey.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Crispy chicken is all about the right coating and cooking method! Here are some tips to ensure your chicken comes out perfectly crunchy each time:
- Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness. This helps it cook uniformly.
- Don’t skip the flour step! It creates a base for the egg to stick and makes the panko adhere better.
- Heat the oil well before adding the chicken. It should sizzle when you add the chicken to ensure a crispy finish.
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying. This prevents it from getting soggy while cooling.
Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens, for serving
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a tasty lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls for your breading process. In the first bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The second bowl should have your beaten eggs ready. And for the last bowl, fill it with panko breadcrumbs. This will help create that crispy coating we all crave!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly, leading to juicy and tender chicken. You can place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken! First, take a chicken breast and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Lastly, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick. Repeat with the second breast.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (a little sprinkle of flour should sizzle when it hits the oil), add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Drizzle and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Now, drizzle that delicious hot honey generously over each piece of crispy chicken. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top while it’s still warm—this helps the cheese soften slightly.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken over a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a refreshing touch. You can add the halved cherry tomatoes on the side for extra color and flavor. Enjoy your meal immediately, and feel free to serve extra hot honey on the side if you love that spicy kick!
This Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken combines crunchy chicken with sweet heat and creamy feta, creating a delightful dish that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result, but they may require a bit more cooking time than breasts. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Calories?
To lighten the dish, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with a little cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or skillet to maintain their crispiness, or microwave for a quick option (the chicken may lose some crunch). Drizzle a bit of fresh hot honey on top when serving again for added flavor!
Can I Make Hot Honey at Home?
Yes! To make hot honey, simply combine regular honey with your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon of hot sauce per 1/4 cup of honey, taste, and adjust according to your spice preference!
