Name: Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 cups corn flake crumbs (or breadcrumbs; use gluten-free crumbs if needed); 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded thin; 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 76 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, tangy, and sweet all in one bite, this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture chicken breasts or thighs coated in a crunchy corn flake crust, baked until golden, then topped with creamy, salty feta that melts slightly under heat. The grand finale? A drizzle of homemade hot honey that adds a lively, sticky sweetness with a fiery kick. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that elevate simple chicken into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe is a surefire winner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate at the bottom holds three raw chicken pieces, pale pink and smooth in texture. Above, there are five white bowls arranged neatly on a wooden surface. The largest bowl is filled with bright yellow breadcrumbs, while a slightly smaller bowl to its left has a fine pale yellow powder resembling grated cheese. To the right of the yellow breadcrumbs is a small bowl with a dark reddish-brown liquid. Next to it, above the chicken, is a bowl with two raw eggs, the yolks shiny and golden. Above the eggs, a bowl contains white flour with a powdery and soft texture. Finally, the top left bowl holds three small piles of different spices in light brown and beige tones with one spot of reddish-orange powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role. From the smoky warmth of the paprika to the crunch of the corn flakes and the tang of feta, every ingredient enhances the taste, texture, and color to make this dish truly irresistible.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free): The light coating that helps the crust stick and crisps the chicken beautifully.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness with a subtle depth.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory undertones without overwhelming the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a classic aromatic boost.
2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the crumb coating tight.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Infuses the chicken with just the right amount of heat in the egg wash.
2 cups corn flake crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs): The secret to achieving that coveted crunch and golden crust.
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (grated parmesan): Adds an umami-packed, crispy bite in the coating.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that becomes irresistibly tender beneath the crispy exterior.
6 ounces feta, crumbled: Salty and creamy, it melts wonderfully atop the chicken.
For the hot honey: 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – a sweet and spicy drizzle that ties everything together brilliantly.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the coating mixtures

Start by mixing the flour, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in one wide bowl – this will be your dry base layer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and hot sauce, which will add a flavorful kick to the chicken while helping the crumbs stick. Lastly, combine the corn flake crumbs with grated parmigiano reggiano in a third bowl for that golden, cheesy crunch.

Step 2: Coat the chicken

Take your pounded thin chicken breasts or thighs and lightly dust them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping. Then dip them into the spicy egg wash, again allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Finally, press each piece firmly into the corn flake and parmesan crumb mixture, ensuring every surface is coated for maximum crispy satisfaction.

Step 3: Bake to crispy perfection

Place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking pan—this setup allows heat to circulate all around for even cooking. Pop it into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake until the crust is a deep golden brown and the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F, which should take about 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Add feta and finish baking

Once your chicken is nearly done, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over each piece. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the feta softens and starts to lightly brown, adding a creamy, salty contrast to the crispy exterior.

Step 5: Drizzle with hot honey

While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika in a small bowl for the hot honey. Let the flavors meld together for a bit before drizzling generously over the finished chicken. This luscious sauce seals the deal, delivering sweet heat with every bite.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

The image shows close-up pieces of golden brown crispy fried chicken topped with a thick layer of creamy white cheese. The cheese is unevenly spread and slightly melted on the warm chicken, with visible red chili flakes and a drizzle of shiny red chili oil creating a glossy, spicy finish on top. The chicken pieces rest on a black wire rack with some chili oil pooling below, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even more, garnish your Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Their bright green color adds visual appeal and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dish and add a subtle tang that complements the honey glaze.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete but rather balance the bold main event. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or steamed green beans tossed with garlic and lemon. Roasted vegetables or a fluffy rice pilaf also make excellent companions, soaking up any extra hot honey left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced atop warm pita bread with a drizzle of the fiery hot honey and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Alternatively, turn this recipe into a vibrant salad by layering mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, then topping with sliced Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken. These presentations make the dish feel fresh and festive, perfect for entertaining or a cozy family meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the crispiness of the coating, it’s best to keep the hot honey sauce separate and drizzle only before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken without the hot honey drizzle for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that delightful crunch, reheat leftover chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crispy. Add the hot honey after reheating for the freshest flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, so they make a great choice if you prefer extra succulent meat.

What if I don’t have corn flakes? Can I use something else?

If corn flakes aren’t on hand, plain breadcrumbs or panko are excellent substitutes. The goal is to achieve that crispy crust, so choose a crumb that crisps up nicely in the oven. Gluten-free options are also easy to find for this purpose.

How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?

The hot honey provides a balanced spicy sweetness that can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder heat, simply reduce those ingredients—this way, it complements rather than overwhelms the dish.

Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?

Yes, the hot honey can be made several hours or even a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature before drizzling.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

It sure is! Swap the all-purpose flour and corn flakes for gluten-free versions to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising on flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe is a delightful harmony of bold flavors and textures that will surely win over anyone lucky enough to taste it. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, delivering crunchy, creamy, spicy, and sweet in every mouthwatering bite. Grab those simple ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the incredible aroma of this favorite dish – trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!