Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

This dish starts with juicy, seasoned chicken cutlets coated in crispy panko or crushed cornflakes, then baked or fried until golden. It’s topped with salty crumbled feta (or spread with whipped feta!) and finished with homemade hot honey—just honey with a kiss of chili heat. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy, juicy chicken with a no-fuss breading
• Hot honey brings the heat AND sweetness
• Feta adds creamy, tangy balance
• Easy to make in the oven or on the stovetop
• Halal-friendly and totally crowd-pleasing

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~460 (depending on cooking method)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets or tenders
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta or 1/2 cup whipped feta (see below)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking or pan-frying)

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• Optional: a dash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for balance

How to Make It

1. Make the Hot Honey

• In a small saucepan, warm honey over low heat.
• Stir in red pepper flakes and a tiny splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep.

2. Prep the Chicken

• Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Set up a breading station with:
  • Flour in one bowl
  • Beaten eggs in another
  • Panko in a third

3. Bread the Chicken

• Dredge each cutlet in flour → dip in egg → coat in panko.
• Press gently so crumbs stick well.

4. Cook the Chicken

Option A – Oven-Baked (healthier):

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Option B – Pan-Fried (extra crispy):

• Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high.
• Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and 165°F internal temp.

5. Top & Drizzle

• Place hot chicken on a serving plate.
• Crumble feta on top OR spread with a little whipped feta (see below).
• Drizzle generously with hot honey.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme if you’re feelin’ fancy.

Optional: Whipped Feta (creamy topping!)

• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Blend until smooth and creamy. Use as a spread or dollop on hot chicken before drizzling with hot honey.

What to Serve It With

• Garlic mashed potatoes or lemony orzo
• Roasted veggies or air fryer green beans
• A crisp cucumber salad or arugula + citrus
• Flatbread or warm naan for scooping up all the goodness

Variations & Add-Ins

• Make it spicy-spicy: Add cayenne to the flour or hot sauce to the egg wash
• Herb it up: Mix Italian herbs into the breadcrumbs
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free feta and skip the whipped topping
• Low-carb: Coat with almond flour and crushed pork rinds or GF panko

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days
• Reheat: In the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again
• Freeze: Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken or cooked cutlets, then reheat in oven

Hot honey is shelf-stable and can be made ahead—it gets better over time!

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Totally! Just make sure they’re boneless and adjust cook time slightly.

Is this halal?
Yes—just use halal-certified chicken and feta.

What’s the best way to make it extra crispy?
Use crushed cornflakes or double-dip in egg + crumbs for that extra crunch.

Can I skip the feta?
Yes, but it adds a salty, tangy balance that works beautifully with the hot honey.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level fancy but is secretly super easy. It hits all the flavor notes—sweet, spicy, salty, creamy, and crunchy—and works any night of the week. Whether you serve it over rice, stuff it in a wrap, or just eat it straight off the tray, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Print