Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors all baked into one delicious dish. The chicken gets a lovely kick from the hot honey…
Tip: save now, cook later.Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors all baked into one delicious dish. The chicken gets a lovely kick from the hot honey drizzle, while the crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and salty touch that balances everything out beautifully. It’s a dish that’s simple but feels special with just a few flavorful ingredients.
I love how easy this recipe is to make, especially on busy weeknights. You just pop everything in the oven and let the magic happen. The combination of the honey’s sweetness with a hint of heat really makes the chicken shine, and the feta adds that little surprise of creaminess with every bite. I often find myself grabbing a little extra honey to drizzle on top right before serving!
This chicken goes great with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh green salad to keep things light and fresh. Sometimes, I like to serve it over fluffy rice or even warm pita bread to soak up all those tasty juices. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for dinner parties or just a cozy meal at home that everyone will ask for again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking, but thighs work well if you want juicier, more flavorful meat.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken a light, crispy crust. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs work, but expect a denser texture.
Honey and Hot Sauce: The honey brings sweetness, while the hot sauce adds heat. Use any spicy chili sauce you like for the heat level you prefer. Maple syrup can substitute the honey but changes the flavor slightly.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty contrast. If you don’t have feta, goat cheese or ricotta salata are good alternatives.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken Every Time?
Crispy chicken starts with proper coating and frying:
- Pat chicken dry to help coating stick better.
- Triple dredge: flour, then egg, then panko mixture for a sturdy crust.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the coating while cooking the inside fully.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for even frying.
- Let chicken rest briefly after frying to keep it crispy and juicy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for frying chicken evenly and getting a crispy crust.
- Three shallow bowls – great for setting up your dredging station (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs).
- Small saucepan – to gently warm and mix the hot honey sauce without burning it.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
- Tongs – for flipping chicken easily without messing up the coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender under the spicy honey glaze.
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a milder, creamier finish that pairs nicely with the honey’s sweet heat.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the panko mix for extra smoky or spicy notes.
- Mix in chopped fresh basil or mint instead of rosemary for a fresh, bright herbal touch.
How to Make Hot Honey Feta Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite spicy chili sauce)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or chives, chopped
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. Plan some extra time if you want to make sides, but the chicken itself is quick and straightforward to get on the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If your chicken is thick, slice horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness; this helps the chicken cook evenly and faster.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
In three shallow bowls, prepare for coating the chicken: put the flour in the first, whisk the eggs in the second, and mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any extra, then into the eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so it sticks well and covers every side.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate once done.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small pan or the cleaned skillet, warm the honey and hot sauce together gently, stirring to combine. Heat until warm but not boiling.
6. Assemble the Dish:
Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top so it melts slightly and adds a tangy contrast.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or chives over the chicken for a fresh, herby flavor. Serve with lemon slices on the side for an extra zing. Pair this dish with a salad, roasted veggies, or rice to complete your meal.
Enjoy your tasty, crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before preparing. Pat it dry well to ensure the coating sticks and fries up crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, though the texture won’t be quite as light and crispy. You can also crush some cornflakes or crackers for a crunchy alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the coating crisp.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! Use more or less hot sauce in the honey drizzle to suit your taste. You can also swap it for a milder chili sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the breading for extra kick.
