This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty dish that combines crispy chicken with sweet and spicy honey and creamy feta cheese. It’s simple but bursting with flavor!
Honestly, the hot honey adds a fun twist, making it so irresistible! I love to pair it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Yum!
Making this chicken is a breeze! You just coat the chicken, bake it, and drizzle with that yummy hot honey. Dinner is ready without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook evenly. You could use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or want a juicier option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a perfect crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, though they may not be as crispy.
Paprika and Garlic Powder: Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you prefer a different flavor, use sweet paprika or omit it altogether. Fresh garlic can also replace garlic powder if you want a burst of freshness.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives the dish a tangy kick! If you can’t find feta, goat cheese is a tasty alternative. Crumbled or shredded will work, too.
Hot Sauce: Adjust the heat level according to your preference. For a milder dish, use a sweet chili sauce instead!
How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy?
Achieving that crispy texture is essential, and here are some tips:
- Dry the Chicken: Make sure to dry the chicken well before breading; moisture can create steam and prevent crispiness.
- Breading Setup: Follow the breading order: flour, egg, then panko. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Hot Oil: Make sure your oil is hot when adding the chicken to the skillet. This sears the crust quickly, locking in moisture.
- Finishing in the Oven: If the chicken isn’t cooked through when it’s crispy, transferring it to the oven ensures it finishes cooking without burning the crust.
Using these tips will help you achieve that perfect crispy finish. Enjoy making this delicious dish!
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken in about 35-40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Get three shallow dishes ready for the breading process. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second, beat the eggs and mix in the water. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Make sure to pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press each piece into the panko mixture, making sure to cover it well with those crispy crumbs.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
5. Bake to Finish:
Transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (you can check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C).
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey and then stir in the hot sauce until it’s well blended. You can adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your taste!
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey mixture over each piece generously. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the chicken, letting it soften a little from the warmth.
8. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for some extra flavor and color. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Pair your Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice for a delicious and satisfying meal!
FAQs for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. They tend to be juicier and can provide a bit more flavor, so feel free to swap them in at a 1:1 ratio.
How Do I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a little more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in the honey mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking. You can also experiment with different hot sauces that suit your taste.
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. When ready to cook, proceed with the searing and baking steps as normal.
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 the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, to preserve its crispiness.
