Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty mix of crunchy chicken coated in a spicy, sweet honey glaze with salty feta cheese sprinkled on top. The crispy outside with the soft, juicy chicken inside creates a wonderful texture, while the hot honey adds just the right kick that makes this dish stand out.
I love making this chicken when I want something that feels special but is still easy to prepare. The combination of spicy and sweet is something everyone seems to enjoy, and that salty feta adds a little surprise that keeps you coming back for more. I often find myself sneaking bites before the meal is even ready!
My favorite way to serve this chicken is alongside a simple salad or some roasted veggies to balance out the flavors. It’s also great with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up any extra honey sauce. This dish always makes dinner feel like a celebration, even on busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat. Cut them into even pieces to cook evenly.
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour & Cornstarch: Using cornstarch with flour gives the coating extra crispiness. For a gluten-free option, try rice flour or a gluten-free blend with cornstarch.
Hot Honey Sauce: Honey adds sweetness, and hot sauce or chili flakes bring the heat. Adjust spiciness to your taste. Sriracha or a mild chili sauce work well as alternatives.
Feta Cheese: The salty, creamy feta balances the sweet and spicy sauce nicely. If you don’t like feta, try goat cheese or omit it and add fresh herbs like parsley for brightness.
How Can I Get the Crispiest Chicken Without It Getting Oily?
Crispy chicken requires hot oil and the right coating. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep your oil at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check. If it’s too cool, chicken absorbs oil and gets soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to keep temperature steady.
- Let excess marinade drip off before dredging to avoid a wet coating.
- Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for a crunchy crust that stays crisp longer.
- After frying, rest the chicken on a wire rack—not paper towels—to keep air circulating and avoid steaming.
Following these steps, your chicken will come out golden, crunchy, and perfectly cooked every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed skillet – I recommend a deep fryer if you have one for even, safe frying. A sturdy skillet works great too.
- Temperature thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right heat for crispy chicken.
- Mixing bowls – for marinating, dredging, and tossing the chicken.
- Wire rack or paper towels – to drain the fried chicken and keep it crispy.
- Small saucepan – for making the hot honey sauce.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes it easy to transfer chicken in and out of hot oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein choice: Swap chicken for cauliflower florets or shrimp for a different twist, perfect for feeling lighter or vegetarian options.
- Cheese styles: Use crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile that pairs well with spicy honey.
- Spice level: Add more chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat, or use honey with a mild touch for less spice.
- Herbs and greens: Mix in cilantro or basil with the herbs for fresh, vibrant flavors, or serve with a side of pickled vegetables for tang.
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce or 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (like rosemary and parsley), finely chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced cucumbers (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour marinating time (or overnight if you have time), and around 20 minutes to fry and assemble everything. Overall, plan about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with buttermilk, half of the salt and pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well so all chicken is coated. Cover and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible — this makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix everything together to create your crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade one piece at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate.
4. Fry the Chicken
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan until it’s about 1.5 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to crowd them. Fry each batch for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey and hot sauce or chili flakes. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the hot honey sauce until each piece is nicely coated with the sweet and spicy glaze.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the freshly chopped herbs and crumbled feta cheese over the coated chicken. Garnish with thin slices of red chili if you like extra color and heat. Arrange the chicken on a plate over sliced cucumbers to add a cool, refreshing crunch. Serve right away and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to help maintain crispiness instead of using a microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the hot sauce or red chili flakes in the honey sauce. You can also use a milder chili or leave out the garnish chili slices for a gentler heat.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve With This Chicken?
Sliced cucumbers are great for a refreshing contrast. Other good options include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful hot honey sauce.
