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Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Enjoy golden panko-coated chicken breast finished with tangy feta cheese and a spicy hot honey glaze. Each bite gives a blend of crunch, creaminess, and a touch of heat balanced by sweet honey. Simple prep means these cutlets come together quickly—just pan fry and top with homemade hot honey straight from the stove. Serve with greens or rice for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. For added texture, let the coated chicken rest before frying. Swap feta with goat cheese for a mellow twist or use blue cheese for stronger flavor. This dish is inviting, versatile, and makes any meal feel extra special.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 00:28:06 GMT
Chicken with cheese and spices. Save
Chicken with cheese and spices. | sarahmeal.com

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is for those nights when you crave something special but do not want to fuss with complicated recipes. You get juicy chicken wrapped in a shattering crisp crust, topped with creamy melted feta, and finished with sticky homemade hot honey that packs just the right punch. Every bite is loaded with flavor from the smoky crumbs to the tangy honey glaze, making it perfect for busy nights or last minute guests. I have made this dish for Sunday dinners and midweek pick-me-ups alike and it always wins raves at the table.

I first made this trying to use up leftover feta and just a drizzle of honey but it instantly became a family favorite. Now we request it for birthdays and quick weeknights alike.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Choose boneless skinless pieces and slice them thin for even cooking and tender chicken
  • Feta cheese: Brings a creamy salty punch look for feta that comes in brine for extra moisture and tang
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Provides the crunchiest coating Japanese style panko is lighter and crisps up beautifully
  • All purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and makes crust extra crispy
  • Eggs: Acts as the glue to bind everything together large eggs work best
  • Garlic powder: Boosts flavor and enhances the overall aroma
  • Smoked paprika: Adds deep smoky warmth look for Spanish style
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors use freshly ground pepper for a little extra zing
  • Olive oil or neutral oil: For frying olive oil gives flavor while neutral oils work well for a lighter finish
  • Honey: Pure honey forms the base of the sticky glaze look for local varieties for the best flavor
  • Hot sauce: Choose your favorites to control the intensity and style of heat
  • Red pepper flakes: For extra spicy kick adjust to taste
  • Apple cider vinegar: Lifts up the sweetness and rounds out the honey sauce use raw unfiltered if you have it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Cut thicker chicken breasts in half horizontally so they are thinner cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly and keeps the meat juicy.
Set Up the Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl. Beat two eggs in the second bowl. In the third bowl mix panko with garlic powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper. The order ensures the breading sticks well and delivers flavor.
Bread the Chicken:
Coat each chicken piece in flour shaking off any excess so the egg sticks. Move to the egg and coat fully. Press into the panko mixture until completely covered pressing gently for the crispiest result.
Pan Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook each side for about five minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five Fahrenheit. Work in batches for best crisp.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
Combine honey hot sauce red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat gently just until it starts to bubble then remove from heat to keep the honey pourable and infused with spice.
Top with Feta and Serve:
Immediately top freshly cooked chicken with crumbled feta so the cheese softens in the heat. Drizzle hot honey sauce over chicken just before eating for the ultimate sweet salty spicy finish.
A plate of chicken with cheese and sauce. Save
A plate of chicken with cheese and sauce. | sarahmeal.com

I love the way the feta melts slightly into the hot chicken. My favorite memory with this recipe is the first time I made it for my parents surprise birthday dinner and they could not stop talking about the sauce and wanted the recipe for themselves.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Keep the hot honey in a separate jar and warm gently before using again. Leftover sauce can be drizzled over roasted veggies or added to salad dressings for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a milder dish simply skip the red pepper flakes or use a sweet chili sauce instead of hot sauce. If you run out of feta try using creamy goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Gluten free panko or rice flour works very well for those with dietary needs.

Chicken with feta cheese and sauce. Save
Chicken with feta cheese and sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Pile your crispy hot honey feta chicken onto a fresh green salad for a lighter meal or lay it over fluffy rice with steamed broccoli to soak up all the extra sauce. This also makes amazing sandwiches just stack inside a warm bun with crisp lettuce and a few slices of tangy pickle.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well—just adjust cook time as they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

→ How do I get the crispiest coating?

Let the breaded chicken pieces rest for 5–10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere firmly and crisps up beautifully.

→ Is homemade hot honey necessary?

Homemade hot honey lets you control heat, but store-bought versions work in a pinch. Adjust hot sauce and pepper flakes to taste.

→ What sides pair best with this dish?

Try a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or fluffy rice for a well-rounded meal that soaks up the sweet and spicy glaze.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Baking works well at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get a lighter meal with plenty of crunch.

→ What cheese substitutes work besides feta?

Goat cheese offers mellow tang, while blue cheese brings stronger flavor for a bolder bite. Choose based on preference.

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Crispy chicken breast, feta crumbles, and a hot honey drizzle deliver bold, balanced flavor with every bite.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Duration
25 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 chicken cutlets)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

Ingredient 01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Ingredient 02 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
Ingredient 03 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient 04 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
Ingredient 05 2 large eggs
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient 08 0.5 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 09 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient 10 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil, for pan frying

→ Hot Honey Sauce

Ingredient 11 0.5 cup honey
Ingredient 12 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
Ingredient 13 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ingredient 14 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets if thick, ensuring even cooking.

Instruction 02

Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Instruction 03

Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into egg, then coat in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to adhere.

Instruction 04

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C. Work in batches if necessary.

Instruction 05

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Warm over low heat until just bubbling, then remove from heat.

Instruction 06

Transfer hot chicken cutlets to a plate. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over immediately to soften. Drizzle with warm hot honey sauce before serving. Optionally garnish with extra feta or fresh herbs.

Additional Tips

  1. Let the breaded chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before frying for an extra crispy texture.
  2. Store-bought hot honey may be used as a substitute; adjust heat level to preference.
  3. Goat cheese or blue cheese can replace feta for an alternative flavor profile.
  4. Chicken thighs may be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  5. For a lighter version, bake at 220°C for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat flour, panko breadcrumbs)
  • Contains egg
  • Contains milk (feta cheese)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 565
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 38 grams
  • Protein Content: 57 grams