Save to Pinterest Golden, crunchy chicken cutlets topped with creamy, tangy feta and drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey—a showstopping comfort dish that's both bold and irresistible. This recipe brings a perfect fusion of textures and flavors, combining the savory crunch of Panko-breaded chicken with the sharp saltiness of feta and the tingling heat of homemade hot honey.
Save to Pinterest By seasoning both the flour and the breadcrumbs, you ensure a deep, consistent flavor profile. Finishing the chicken under the broiler softens the feta just enough to meld with the hot honey, creating a cohesive and addictive topping.
Ingredients
- 2 × 250 g (9 oz) chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 35 g (¼ cup) plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 65 g (1 cup) Panko breadcrumbs
- 6–8 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
- 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup (110 g) honey
- 1½ tsp hot sauce (such as Franks or Cholula)
- ¾ tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Infuse the hot honey
- In a small bowl, mix honey, chili flakes, and hot sauce. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, then set aside to steep and intensify the spice.
- Prepare the chicken
- Slice each breast horizontally to create thin cutlets. In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. Divide the mixture in half.
- Set up dredging stations
- Mix half the spice blend into the flour. Mix the other half into the Panko breadcrumbs. Place flour, eggs, and Panko each in their own shallow bowls.
- Bread the chicken
- Dredge each cutlet first in spiced flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with spiced Panko, pressing to adhere.
- Pan-fry
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack.
- Broil with feta
- Place fried cutlets on a baking sheet. Top each with crumbled feta. Broil 1–2 minutes until the feta softens and starts to brown.
- Finish & serve
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the hot feta chicken. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra-crispy cutlets, do not overcrowd the pan during frying to maintain the oil temperature. To air fry: Spray breaded chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try Bulgarian feta for a creamier topping, or adjust the hot sauce and chili flakes for milder or spicier honey. You can also experiment with different honey varieties like wildflower or clover for subtle flavor changes.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. It also goes well alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa pilaf to soak up any extra hot honey drizzle.
Save to Pinterest With its bold seasonings and delightful spicy-sweet finish, this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a special weekend dinner or a quick weeknight treat, it delivers big on flavor with every crispy, cheesy bite.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How do I get the chicken cutlets crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Dredging the chicken in spiced flour and panko helps create a crunchy crust.
- → Can I prepare the hot honey in advance?
Yes, the hot honey can be mixed ahead of time and gently reheated before drizzling over the chicken.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast. Bulgarian feta offers a particularly smooth texture.
- → Is there a healthier cooking alternative?
You can air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway to keep it crisp.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad complement the bold flavors and textures perfectly.