This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty treat! The chicken gets golden and crunchy, while the sweet and spicy hot honey adds a fun twist that’s hard to resist.
Let’s be real—who doesn’t love crispy chicken? I like to serve it with a side of veggies for some balance, but honestly, it’s just as good on its own! 🌶️🍯
Making this chicken is super simple. Just coat, bake, and drizzle! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together for a delicious dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can switch to chicken thighs. They’re juicier and still work great.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a light, crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs are a good substitute, though they may not be as crispy.
Hot Honey: For a quick homemade version, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes. Adjust the spice level to your taste! You can also use maple syrup with chili for a unique twist.
Feta Cheese: If you need a dairy-free option, try almond feta or omit it entirely for a lighter dish. You could sprinkle a bit of nutritional yeast for flavor as well.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
The secret to achieving that crunch lies in the frying and baking steps. Follow these tips to get your chicken perfectly crispy:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick.
- When frying, let the oil get hot but not smoking. A medium-high heat is best to avoid oil splatter.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches if necessary for even cooking and crispiness.
- Baking after frying helps ensure the chicken cooks through without losing its crunch. It’s a game-changer!
These tips should help you make your Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken a hit every time! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1/3 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade by mixing honey with chili flakes)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes and fresh arugula, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep, and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, plus a little time to get all your ingredients ready. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes until you’re ready to enjoy this delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your chicken has a nice, non-stick surface to rest on after frying.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and lay them flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice each one horizontally to make 2 thinner cutlets. Once you have your cutlets, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to season them well.
3. Set Up Dredging Stations
In three shallow dishes, get ready for dredging! Place flour in the first dish, beat the eggs in the second, and mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in the third. This assembly line will help keep things organized!
4. Dredge the Chicken
Take one chicken cutlet at a time. First, coat it in flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to make sure it’s covered. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat with all the cutlets!
5. Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the chicken cutlets into the skillet, giving them some space. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. If there’s too much oil splattering, reduce the heat a little!
6. Bake for Extra Crispiness
Once fried, transfer the chicken cutlets to the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, which will ensure they are cooked through and even crispier.
7. Add the Hot Honey
When your chicken is done, take it out of the oven and drizzle hot honey over each piece while it’s still warm. This step adds that delicious sweet and spicy flavor we love!
8. Crumble the Feta
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken. This tangy cheese perfectly complements the heat from the honey.
9. Serve & Enjoy
Serve your crispy hot honey feta chicken on a bed of fresh arugula and add some halved cherry tomatoes on the side for color and freshness. Dig in while it’s warm and enjoy all those delightful flavors!
Enjoy your delicious Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken! It’s the perfect mix of crispy texture, sweet heat from the honey, and tangy bites of feta that will surely make this a favorite dish!
FAQs for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs might take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Both options will work well and still provide a deliciously crispy result!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time! After breading, store them in the fridge for up to a day until you’re ready to fry and bake them. Just be sure to cook them through when ready to eat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or in a skillet to maintain the crispiness. Avoid using the microwave for best results!
