Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe

There's something truly irresistible about the sound of crispy chicken sizzling in a hot skillet. Now imagine that chicken coated in a golden crust, drizzled with a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze, and served with crumbled feta that melts just enough to balance the heat with a creamy tang. That's the magic of this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken.

this Recipe

I first made this on a whim after seeing a jar of chili-infused honey at a local market. One bite, and it instantly joined our regular dinner rotation. It’s easy enough for weeknights but bold and flavorful enough to impress guests. Let's dig in and see why this recipe will become your new favorite.

Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner hero.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Get ready to fall head over heels for this sweet, spicy, salty, and savory dish. Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken brings serious flavor with minimal effort—and you don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment to pull it off.

First of all, this dish is a total weeknight winner. The chicken cooks up in under 20 minutes, and the sauce is just stirred together in one small bowl. No complicated steps, no babysitting the pan—just crave-worthy flavor in a flash.

It also nails the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The chicken’s crispy coating contrasts beautifully with the silky hot honey and creamy feta crumbles. You get crunch, heat, sweetness, and salt all in one bite.

This recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly too. It uses pantry staples like flour, eggs, and honey, and chicken thighs are often more affordable (and flavorful!) than breasts. You can easily feed a family of four for under $15.

And let’s not forget how adaptable it is. Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the hot honey. Prefer goat cheese to feta? Go for it. You can even make it gluten-free with a simple swap. We’ll get to all those options in a bit.

Ready to give it a try? Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make it shine.

Ingredients Notes

This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken keeps it simple but strategic. Every ingredient has a purpose—from flavor to texture—and together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Chicken thighs are the star here. Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay incredibly juicy. While you can use chicken breasts, thighs offer more flavor and are harder to overcook—perfect for this high-heat method.

All-purpose flour and cornstarch form the coating that gives the chicken its craveable crispiness. The cornstarch is key—it helps create that extra-light, golden finish that rivals any takeout.

Eggs act as the glue to bind the breading to the chicken. They help form a sturdy crust that can stand up to the drizzle of hot honey without going soggy.

Hot honey is the game-changer. You can use store-bought or make your own by combining honey with a touch of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. It brings the sweetness and heat that elevate the whole dish.

And finally, feta cheese brings the creamy, salty contrast that ties everything together. Crumble it fresh over the hot chicken so it softens slightly without melting entirely. That balance of textures is pure perfection.

You’ll also need a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) for frying, and a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain the chicken as it comes out of the pan. Nothing fancy, just functional.

How To Make This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken

Bringing this dish to life is easier than it sounds. With a little prep and a few smart techniques, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken on your table in no time.

Start by prepping your chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry and cut them into large bite-sized pieces. Season them well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if you like. The drier your chicken, the crispier the crust will be, so don’t skip this step.

Next, set up your dredging station. You’ll need two shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs, the other with a mix of flour, cornstarch, and seasoning. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg first, then into the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.

Heat a generous layer of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop in a pinch of flour—if it sizzles immediately, you're good to go. Carefully add the chicken in batches, being sure not to crowd the pan. Let each piece fry undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp.

While the chicken fries, make your hot honey. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently heat your honey with a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes. Don’t let it boil—just warm it enough to thin slightly and activate the heat.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Let it rest for a few minutes so the crust sets fully. Then comes the best part: arrange it on a serving platter, drizzle generously with hot honey, and sprinkle with crumbled feta.

From start to finish, this whole recipe takes about 35 minutes. You’ll end up with golden, crispy chicken packed with bold flavor, perfect for pairing with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or some fluffy rice.

Storage Options

Leftovers? Lucky you. This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken stores well and reheats beautifully if you follow a few tips.

Let any leftover chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey and feta separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.

If you want to freeze the chicken, skip the honey and feta and freeze the cooked pieces on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven until crispy and heated through.

To reheat from the fridge, pop the chicken into the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Microwaving is quick, but it softens the crust. If you go that route, toast the chicken under a broiler for a minute or two afterward to bring back the crunch.

Always add the hot honey and feta after reheating to keep things fresh and flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful, so don’t be afraid to mix things up based on what you have in the fridge or pantry.

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of cayenne directly to the flour mixture. You can also use a spicier hot sauce in your honey blend for an extra fiery glaze.

Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. You’ll still get that crispy exterior without any wheat.

If feta isn’t your thing, try crumbled goat cheese or even blue cheese for a funkier twist. A sprinkle of parmesan also works well if you want something more subtle and nutty.

You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to slice them into thin, even pieces so they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.

Finally, try air frying instead of pan-frying for a lighter version. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil and cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

With so many ways to customize it, this Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken can become a recipe you reinvent again and again. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might just discover your new favorite version.

Let me know if you'd like a printable recipe card, nutritional info, or pairing ideas!

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