This Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is topped with crispy feta and drizzled with spicy honey for a sweet and spicy explosion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, but you can switch to thighs if you like more flavor and juiciness. You can even use turkey cutlets for a different twist!
Panko Breadcrumbs: I really love panko for its extra crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Consider toasting them in the oven lightly to add some crunch.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a tangy kick. If you’re not a fan, you can try using goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly!
Hot Honey: You can easily make your own by heating honey with chili flakes. If you want less heat, just stick with regular honey and add a dash of red pepper flakes when serving.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispiness on your chicken is all about the breading process and cooking temperature. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to coat the chicken well in flour, egg, and panko – each layer plays a role in getting that crunch.
- While frying, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can test this by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to keep the temperature consistent, which helps it fry evenly.
- Drain on paper towels right after cooking, and let it rest a minute before adding the honey and feta. This keeps the coating crisp!
Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: fresh chili flakes for extra heat
- Optional: fresh arugula or mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making it a total of approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and if they are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Setting Up Breading Stations:
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give your crust plenty of flavor!
3. Breading the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breading stick.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb to see if it sizzles), add your breaded chicken. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Adding Hot Honey and Feta:
While the chicken is still warm, drizzle the hot honey generously over each piece. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. The heat from the chicken will begin to soften the feta, adding a delicious creaminess.
6. Serving the Dish:
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken on a plate and serve it over a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens, along with some cherry tomatoes. If you like it spicy, feel free to add some fresh chili flakes on top!
7. Enjoy!
Your Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Dive into the crispy, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, and savor every bite!
Notes:
- To make your own hot honey: Warm 1/4 cup honey with 1 tablespoon of chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce over low heat until it infuses, then strain if desired.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes instead of frying to achieve a crispy crust.
FAQs About Easy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for more flavor and moisture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love extra heat, consider adding additional chili flakes to the panko mixture or using a spicier hot honey. You can also serve with sliced jalapeños or a spicy dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance! Just store the breaded chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or parties!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help re-crisp the coating.
