Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They're naturally more flavorful and moist, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer—chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the meat should be white throughout with no pink, and juices should run clear.

Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?

Definitely! The hot honey actually gets better as it sits and the flavors meld. You can make it up to two weeks in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before serving to make it easier to drizzle.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, and the results are just as delicious.

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Description

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The chicken is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried to golden perfection, then topped with crumbled feta cheese grilled until slightly crisp and melty. A drizzle of custom-made hot honey ties all the elements together for a delicious, flavor-packed dish that’s irresistibly good. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey

1/3 cup (110g) honey
1 1/2 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s or Cholula)
3/4 tsp chili 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
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
35g (1/4 cup) plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
65g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, as needed (6-8 tbsp)

For Topping

200g (7oz) feta, crumbled

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Instructions

Prepare the Hot Honey
Combine honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes in a bowl. Warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds and stir well. Alternatively, this can be done on the stovetop by bringing the mixture to a simmer and then letting it cool. Adjust the spiciness by adding additional chili flakes or hot sauce as desired. Set aside to cool.
Slice and Season the Chicken
Horizontally slice the chicken breasts through their center to create 4 even pieces. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Bread the Chicken
Set up three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Mix plain flour and half of the seasoning mix.
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs.
- Dish 3: Panko breadcrumbs and the remaining seasoning mix.
Dredge each chicken piece through the flour, coating it evenly, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Place finished pieces on a large tray.
Fry the Chicken
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of a large pan and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle immediately), fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through the center. Cook in batches if necessary and replenish the oil between batches. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain.
Top with Feta and Grill
Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the fried chicken pieces. Use a grill set on high heat to melt and lightly brown the feta. The cheese should be buttery soft with a slight crisp on top.
Serve
Drizzle the hot honey generously over the chicken. Tighten and store leftover hot honey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Hot Honey: Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference. Honey can be infused ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Some supermarkets now sell pre-made hot honey.
Baking Option:
- Toast panko breadcrumbs on a tray at 180C/350F for 5 minutes before use.
Bake the coated chicken at 220C/430F for 10 minutes, then flip, spray with oil, and bake for another 8-10 minutes. Proceed with the feta and grilling step as instructed in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 485kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 120mg