Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Welcome, my dear culinary explorers, to a delightfully spicy journey with our irresistible Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken. This dish masterfully combines the sweetness of honey, a touch of heat, and the creamy allure of feta to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Spicy Balance: This dish perfectly marries sweet honey with a spicy kick from hot sauce and chili flakes, tantalizing your taste buds.
  • Crispy Texture: The chicken is enveloped in a crispy panko breadcrumbs coating, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Richness of Feta: Crumbled feta adds a wonderfully creamy and tangy finish, elevating this dish to gourmet status.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat level to suit your preferences, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient, from the bold paprika to the tangy feta, plays a special role in this culinary symphony, ensuring a flavor-packed experience.

  • Honey: This brings a natural sweetness that balances out the spicy notes beautifully.
  • Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for a personalized heat level; Frank’s or Cholula add a perfect zing.
  • Chili Flakes: These allow you to control the spice level, adding an extra fiery kick.
  • Chicken Breasts: Sliced to perfection, they absorb all flavors without being overwhelmed.
  • Feta Cheese: Rich and tangy, it adds a creamy contrast to the crispy texture of the chicken.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, allowing you to tweak and modify depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Let’s explore how a few changes can create a brand-new culinary delight.

  • Baked Version: For a lighter twist, bake the chicken instead of frying, still retaining that irresistible crispiness.
  • Spice Adjustment: Play with the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes to achieve your perfect level of heat.
  • Go Gluten-Free: Swap out the plain flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey

Start by combining honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a bowl. Warm this delightful mixture briefly in the microwave to help the flavors meld together, then allow it to cool. This sweet and spicy blend will be your secret weapon.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally for even cooking. Then, mix your spices and divide them for the dredging process. Prepare your coating stations: flour mixed with half of the spice, eggs, and panko crumbs with the rest of the seasoning. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly to ensure a crispy outcome.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

In a large pan, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the base. Fry the chicken pieces in batches if necessary, making sure each side is a deep golden color and crispy. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked yet still juicy inside.

Step 4: Add Feta and Grill

With the chicken fried to a beautiful crisp, sprinkle crumbled feta over each piece generously. Place them under a grill until the feta turns golden, lusciously melting over the chicken for a creamy finish.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

  • Perfect Coating: Always ensure every piece of chicken is well-coated in flour, egg, and panko to make it extra crispy.
  • Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil; your target is about 350°F/175°C for that optimal sizzle.
  • Flavor Infusion: Let the hot honey sit with the chili for a while before using it to allow the flavors to develop fully.
  • Cheese Variety: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crumbled blue cheese with the feta for a tangy twist.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be sprinkled on top just before serving. They add a touch of color and a burst of fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the dish.

Side Dishes

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken goes wonderfully with a side of arugula salad or roasted potatoes. This combination offers a balance of textures and flavors that complements the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, arrange the chicken on a platter with the hot honey in a small bowl, allowing guests to drizzle their desired amount over their servings. Pair with some lemon wedges for added zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your crispy creations fresh, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its delightful flavors.

Freezing

Though the texture may slightly change, you can freeze these chicken delights by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer bag for up to two months.

Reheating

To return the chicken to its crispy glory, reheat it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy that freshly-made sensation all over again.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Just make sure to stir it well before use.

  2. What can I use instead of chicken?

    If chicken isn’t your preference, try using turkey or tofu as alternatives. Both can hold their own in this flavorful recipe.

  3. How do I make the dish less spicy?

    To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce and skip the chili flakes. Adjust the flavors to suit your personal heat tolerance.

  4. What type of oil is best for frying?

    Using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil is best for frying because it won’t overpower the chicken’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to bring this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken to life in your own kitchen. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this adventure in taste—it’s bound to become a household favorite!

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Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 134 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken combines tender breaded chicken breasts with a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze and creamy feta cheese topping. Perfectly crispy on the outside with a juicy interior, this dish is finished with a golden broil of feta, offering a beautiful balance of heat, sweetness, and savory richness. Ideal for a flavorful dinner or special occasion, it pairs well with fresh greens or crispy potatoes.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey

  • 1/3 cup / 110g Honey
  • 1 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce (such as Frank’s or Cholula)
  • 3/4 tsp Chilli Flakes

For the Chicken

  • 2x 250g/9oz Chicken Breasts
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 35g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
  • 2 Eggs, beaten
  • 65g / 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Veg Oil, as needed (6-8 tbsp)

For the Topping

  • 200g / 7oz Feta, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare Hot Honey: Combine honey, hot sauce, and chilli flakes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds until warm. Stir well, then let it cool. Alternatively, simmer gently in a small pot on the stove, then remove from heat and cool.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally through the center to create four even fillets. In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with half of the seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko combined with the remaining seasoning. Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, placing on a tray as they are coated.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat oil (6-8 tbsp) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken in the pan (fry in batches if necessary). Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Finish with Feta: Top each piece of chicken with crumbled feta. Place under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until feta is melted and lightly golden.
  6. Serve: Drizzle hot honey generously over the crispy chicken and feta before serving. Pair with your choice of side dishes like greens or potatoes and enjoy.

Notes

  • Hot Honey – You can infuse honey with chili flakes and hot sauce in advance and store in the fridge for easy use.
  • Baking Option – Bake breadcrumb-coated chicken at 180°C/350°F for 5 mins until lightly golden, then proceed to bake at 220°C/430°F for 10 mins and 8-10 mins on flip side for crispiness.
  • Serving suggestions include serving with arugula or crispy potato wedges for a complete meal.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with topping
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

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