Pin Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a showstopping comfort dish that strikes the perfect balance between bold heat, creamy tang, and satisfying crunch. Golden, crunchy chicken cutlets are topped with softened feta and finished with a generous drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey, creating an irresistible main course that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made in your own kitchen.
Pin The secret to this dish lies in the layers of seasoning. By dividing the spice blend between the flour and the Panko, every part of the breading is infused with paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne. When the chicken hits the hot oil, these spices toast alongside the breadcrumbs, creating a deeply flavorful crust that perfectly complements the creamy feta cheese.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Seasoning: 2 x 250 g (9 oz) chicken breasts (halved horizontally), 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Breading Station: 35 g (¼ cup) plain flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 65 g (1 cup) Panko breadcrumbs.
- Frying & Topping: 6–8 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying), 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese (crumbled).
- Hot Honey: ⅓ cup (110 g) honey, 1½ tsp hot sauce (such as Franks or Cholula), ¾ tsp chili flakes.
Instructions
- Infuse the hot honey
- In a small bowl, mix honey, chili flakes, and hot sauce. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, then set aside to steep and intensify the spice.
- Prepare the chicken
- Slice each breast horizontally to create thin cutlets. In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. Divide the mixture in half.
- Set up dredging stations
- Mix half the spice blend into the flour. Mix the other half into the Panko breadcrumbs. Place flour, eggs, and Panko each in their own shallow bowls.
- Bread the chicken
- Dredge each cutlet first in spiced flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with spiced Panko, pressing to adhere.
- Pan-fry
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack.
- Broil with feta
- Place fried cutlets on a baking sheet. Top each with crumbled feta. Broil 1–2 minutes until the feta softens and starts to brown.
- Finish & serve
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the hot feta chicken. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the ultimate crunch, ensure you do not overcrowd the pan during the frying process; frying in batches allows the oil temperature to stay high. Draining the fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Additionally, you can prepare the hot honey in advance and simply reheat it gently before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a creamier finish, try using Bulgarian feta. You can easily adjust the heat levels of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes in the honey mixture to suit your personal preference.
Serviervorschläge
This bold main dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp, fresh green salad to balance the richness of the feta and the sweetness of the honey.
Pin This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is at its crunchiest and the feta is warm and soft. The combination of textures and the vibrant sweet-heat finish make it a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves bold comfort food.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve extra crispy chicken cutlets?
To get extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to allow even cooking and maintain oil temperature. Press the breading firmly onto the cutlets and fry until deep golden.
- → Can I prepare the hot honey ahead of time?
Yes, mix the honey with chili flakes and hot sauce, gently warm it to infuse flavors, then set aside. Reheat gently before drizzling over the chicken.
- → What is the best way to slice chicken for this dish?
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets, ensuring quick and even cooking with a tender texture inside.
- → Are there alternatives to frying the chicken?
You can air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.
- → What type of feta works best for topping?
Bulgarian feta tends to be creamier, making it an excellent choice for a smooth topping that browns nicely under the broiler.