Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken combines the crispy texture of golden-brown chicken with a balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy tanginess from honey and feta cheese. It’s the perfect dish for those looking for a little bit of everything—savory, spicy, and sweet—wrapped in one delightful bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
The History of Ingredients
- Chicken: A versatile protein that has been a staple in many cuisines around the world for centuries. The use of chicken in cooking dates back to ancient civilizations, with chicken dishes varying greatly depending on regional spices and flavors.
- Feta Cheese: Originating from Greece, feta is a crumbly, salty cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk. It’s used widely in Mediterranean cuisine and adds a creamy, tangy flavor to dishes.
- Hot Honey: A modern twist in the culinary world, hot honey combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of chili peppers. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to enhance a variety of dishes, from pizza to fried chicken.
- Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, etc.): Common in many global cuisines, these spices are used to elevate the flavor of the chicken and provide a rich, aromatic base that pairs well with the honey and feta.
Breakdown of Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best balance of juiciness and crispiness. Bone-in chicken can also work if you’re aiming for a more rustic dish.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a creamy, salty contrast to the heat and sweetness of the honey sauce.
- Hot Honey: A blend of honey and chili flakes (or fresh chili), this ingredient is the star of the dish, providing a sweet-spicy kick.
- Breadcrumbs (for breading): Breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs give the chicken its crispy outer layer. Panko will give you a lighter, crunchier crust.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper bring flavor depth. You can customize the spice levels depending on your heat tolerance.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or adjust to taste)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This ensures a crispy crust. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one shallow dish, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a second dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Dip it in the beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, gently heat the hot honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add extra chili flakes if you want it spicier.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the chicken is cooked, place it on a serving plate. Drizzle the hot honey over the chicken, then top with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken:
- Double-Bread for Extra Crispiness: For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the egg and breadcrumbs after the first dip. This adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Adjust Heat: The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you want a milder version, reduce the amount of chili in the hot honey.
- Feta Texture: For a smoother finish, you can crumble the feta finely. Alternatively, use a chunkier crumble for a more rustic feel.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough for frying (around 350°F or 175°C) to ensure the chicken cooks quickly without absorbing too much oil.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Chicken: Add fresh chilies or cayenne pepper to the breading mix for an additional spicy layer.
- Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for chicken. Bread it the same way and cook in oil for a crispy texture. Use vegan feta or another plant-based cheese alternative.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese. Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or even mozzarella for a creamier twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories: The calorie count depends on the size of the chicken breasts, amount of oil used for frying, and portion size. On average, a serving may range between 400-600 calories.
- Protein: Chicken is a high-protein food, with one breast providing approximately 30 grams of protein.
- Fat: The dish can be high in fat due to frying, but using less oil or opting for oven-baking can reduce the fat content.
- Sodium: Feta cheese and hot honey contribute sodium to the dish. You can reduce the amount of salt in the breading or use reduced-sodium feta for a healthier option.
FAQ
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
- Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- What can I serve with Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some crispy fries.
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before frying or baking.
- Can I make this dish spicier?
- Absolutely! Add more chili flakes to the hot honey sauce or incorporate spicy seasonings into the breading mix.
Enjoy your Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken and happy cooking!
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken combines the crispy texture of golden-brown chicken with a balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy tanginess from honey and feta cheese. It's the perfect dish for those looking for a little bit of everything—savory, spicy, and sweet—wrapped in one delightful bite. Whether you're preparing it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup / 110g Honey
- 1 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce I like Frank’s or Cholula
- 3/4 tsp Chilli Flakes
- 2 x 250g/9oz Chicken Breasts
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp EACH: Onion Powder Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 35 g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 65 g / 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- Veg Oil as needed (6-8 tbsp)
- 200 g / 7oz Feta crumbled
Instructions
- Combine the honey, hot sauce and chilli flakes in a bowl and warm in the microwave (20 seconds or so). Stir then leave to cool. You can also do this on the stove in a small pot (just bring to a simmer then remove and cool). You can easily adjust the heat with chilli flakes/hot sauce if desired.
- Horizontally slice the chicken breasts right through the centre to create 4 even-sized breasts. In a small pot or bowl combine the paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne and black pepper.
- Line up 3 large shallow dishes and place a large tray at the end. The first bowl is flour + half of the seasoning mix, the second is beaten egg and the 3rd is the Panko with the rest of the seasoning. One by one take the chicken and dredge through the flour, into the egg, then the breadcrumbs and finish by placing on the tray. Make sure you thoroughly coat the chicken at each stage (namely the breadcrumbs).
- Add enough oil to coat the base of a large pan and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough that a breadcrumb rapidly sizzles, carefully place in the chicken (if you can’t fit 4 pieces then work in 2 batches, top up the oil in between if needed). Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until deep golden and crispy on the outside and white/piping hot through the centre. Place on a wire rack above the tray.
- Add the crumbled feta, covering as much of the chicken as possible, then place under the grill on high until it starts turning golden (it should be buttery soft and a little crisp on top).
- Serve with your preferred amount of hot honey drizzled over and enjoy (tightly store leftover honey in the fridge).
Notes
a) Hot Honey – You can make hot honey in a variety of different ways (you can now also buy it from supermarkets too!). I like the simple spice from chilli flakes, alongside some tangy heat from some hot sauce. I like to heat the honey then let it cool as it helps the chilli flakes infuse the honey more efficiently/quickly. You can adjust this to your preferred spiciness if you like. Just add in a dash more chilli flakes after it has cooled, or if you want more spice with the extra tangy flavour, add in a dash more hot sauce. You can also make this ahead of time and tightly store in the fridge.
b) Can I bake the chicken instead? – If you want to bake the chicken then follow these steps:
d) Calories – Slight overestimate as not all the flour/egg/Panko is picked up by the chicken.
- Before you mix in the seasoning, spread the breadcrumbs out on a large tray, spray with oil and bake at 180C/350F for 5 mins or until light golden (be vigilant as they burn quickly).
- Carry on with the recipe for preparing chicken (mix in seasoning, coating etc).
- Instead of frying, place the coated chicken on a large baking tray, spray with oil and bake at 220C/430F for 10 mins. Flip, spray then bake again for 8-10mins, or until golden and crispy and cooked through the centre.
- Continue with feta/grilling.