This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a deliciously fun way to enjoy dinner! The chicken gets a crispy coating, and you drizzle it with sweet and spicy hot honey and creamy feta. Yum!
Trust me, the combination of crispy chicken and gooey feta is a total game changer. Pair it with a simple salad and you’ve got a tasty meal that feels fancy but is super easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but you can use thighs if you like dark meat. They add a bit more flavor and moisture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are lighter and crunchier than regular ones, giving you that perfect crisp. If you don’t have panko, try using regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for an alternative crunch.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a delicious tang. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even ricotta can work, but keep in mind they will change the flavor slightly.
Honey and Hot Sauce: This combo brings that sweet and spicy hit. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to match your heat preference. Maple syrup can substitute honey for a different sweetness.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Achieving that crispy coating is all about the breading process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Flatten the chicken for even cooking; this helps it cook through without burning the outside.
- Bread the chicken in the right order: flour, egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. This layering ensures a great crunch!
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become soggy. You can test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it bubbles, it’s ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if needed, so each piece has enough space to crisp up.
Following these tips will give you deliciously crispy chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
cup crumbled feta cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes. The crispy chicken is quick to make and sure to impress your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin for this. It helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to add flavor.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Gather three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. This will give the chicken a flavorful, crunchy coating!
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, coat it with the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb), carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Hot Honey Drizzle:
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the hot honey. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce until well combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste for the desired level of heat.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Once the chicken is crispy and golden, place it on a serving plate. Drizzle the hot honey mixture generously over the top of each piece. Then, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on the warm chicken. If you’d like, add fresh parsley or thyme for a nice touch of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy:
Serve the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken immediately while it’s hot and crunchy. Enjoy the fantastic combination of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness!
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black 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
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1
FAQ About Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and will add a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but for the best crunch, consider using crushed cornflakes or even homemade breadcrumbs from stale bread. Just make sure to toast them briefly for added crispiness!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp it back up, or you can use a microwave, although it may lose some crunch.
Can I Make This Without Feta Cheese?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of feta, you can skip it or substitute it with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even ricotta for a different texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative!
