Description
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring perfectly crispy chicken breasts topped with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze and creamy tangy feta cheese. This recipe combines the crunch of well-seasoned, pan-fried chicken with the luscious richness of honey infused with chili heat, complemented by crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or couscous.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
 - 2 large eggs
 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
 - Vegetable oil, for frying
 
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
 - 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
 - Pinch of salt
 
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
 
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
 - Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even crust.
 - Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
 - Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, red chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
 - Assemble and Serve: Place the crispy chicken on serving plates. Drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
 
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
 - For a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
 - Try serving with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.
 - Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture and different flavor profile.
 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to maintain crispiness.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 15 minutes
 - Category: Main Course
 - Method: Frying
 - Cuisine: Mediterranean