Description
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a deliciously balanced dish combining crunchy, golden-brown chicken coated in panko breadcrumbs, glazed with a sticky, spicy hot honey, and topped with tangy, creamy feta cheese. This flavorful recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and pairs well with a variety of sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
Coating & Seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for frying)
Glaze & Toppings
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Lightly brush the seasoned chicken with olive oil. Press each piece firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated for a light and crunchy crust.
- Cook to Crispy Perfection: Heat olive oil in a hot skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the coated chicken, cooking each side until golden brown and crispy, and until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and spoon generous amounts of hot honey over each piece, glazing it with a sticky, spicy layer.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the hot chicken. Allow it to melt slightly, adding creamy and tangy bursts of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley or oregano for brightness and aromatic notes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry the chicken thoroughly to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and best browning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary.
- Warm the hot honey slightly to make drizzling easier and enhance flavors.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices and soften the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, hot honey chicken, feta chicken, spicy chicken, dinner recipe, easy chicken, gluten-free chicken option