AMAZING SPICY CRISPY HOT HONEY FETA CHICKEN

Forget boring chicken dinners! Imagine biting into perfectly crispy chicken, drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey, and then that creamy, tangy feta hits your palate. This Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is an explosion of flavor and texture, and it’s surprisingly easy to make – trust me, you’ll be obsessed!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Feta Topping:

• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced
• More hot honey, for drizzling

Let’s Get Cooking: Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s really well combined – we want all that flavor in every bite!

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
2. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. This is key for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
3. Place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven until it is about 1 inch deep.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of the dredged chicken into the oil. If it sizzles and browns nicely, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
4. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness!

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey

1. While the chicken is frying, prepare the hot honey. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is smooth and slightly thinned, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the honey!
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. In a large bowl, toss the crispy fried chicken with the hot honey, ensuring each piece is well coated.
2. Transfer the hot honey chicken to a serving platter.
3. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped chives.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy! Drizzle with extra hot honey for an extra kick.

Tips for the Best Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak!

The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere better, resulting in a juicier and crispier final product. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Temperature is Key

Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is essential for achieving perfectly cooked, crispy chicken. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Frying the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy chicken. Patience is a virtue when it comes to frying!

Adjust the Heat

The amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the recipe can be adjusted to suit your spice preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired level of heat. You can even experiment with different types of hot sauce for a unique flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Herbed Goat Cheese Chicken Pasta

Looking for a creamy, comforting twist? Try using herbed goat cheese instead of feta and serving this chicken over pasta! To make a quick sauce, toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil, garlic, and the herbed goat cheese. Top with the Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Chicken for a truly unforgettable meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variation of the Hot Honey Feta Chicken with a pasta twist.

Chicken Tenders

Instead of cutting the chicken into small pieces, you can use chicken tenders for a more kid-friendly version. Simply dredge and fry the tenders as directed in the recipe.

Air Fryer Option

For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the dredged chicken with cooking spray and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Different Cheeses

If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with other cheeses like crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded mozzarella. Each cheese will add a unique flavor dimension to the dish.

What to Serve with Your Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

This Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Creamy Sides: Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.
• Fresh Salads: A simple green salad, a cucumber salad, or a tomato and mozzarella salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
• Grains: Rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Bread: Cornbread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls.

More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you loved this Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken, be sure to check out these other amazing chicken dinner recipes:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine: A decadent and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight indulgence.
• Southern Fried Chicken: The classic, crispy fried chicken recipe that everyone loves.
• Chicken And Dumplings Recipe: A comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A cheesy and delicious casserole that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes: An easy and convenient slow cooker meal that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a dump-and-go dream!

Storing and Reheating

Storing

Store any leftover Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will lose some of its crispiness as it sits, but it will still be delicious.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to burn it. For a quicker option, you can microwave the chicken, but it will likely become soggy.

Dinner Recipes With Honey

This Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a great example of how honey can be used to create delicious and unique dinner recipes. The combination of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce is a flavor sensation that will tantalize your taste buds. Experiment with other Dinner Recipes With Honey to discover new and exciting ways to incorporate this natural sweetener into your meals.

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Spicy Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients or the multiple steps; each element contributes to the incredible flavor and texture. Now go forth and create some culinary magic!