Hot Honey Feta Chicken (Print Version)

Crispy breaded chicken topped with melted feta and drizzled with spicy honey sauce for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

# Ingredients:

→ Hot Honey

01 - 110g honey (1/3 cup)
02 - 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce (Frank's or Cholula recommended)
03 - 3/4 tsp chilli flakes

→ Chicken

04 - 2 chicken breasts (500g/18oz total)
05 - 2 tsp paprika
06 - 1 tsp salt
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
12 - 35g plain flour (1/4 cup)
13 - 2 eggs, beaten
14 - 65g panko breadcrumbs (1 cup)
15 - 6-8 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
16 - 200g feta cheese, crumbled (7oz)

# Steps:

01 - Combine honey, hot sauce and chilli flakes in a bowl. Warm in the microwave for 20 seconds or on the stove until just simmering. Stir and set aside to cool, allowing flavors to infuse.
02 - Slice chicken breasts horizontally through the center to create 4 even-sized fillets. In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
03 - Arrange 3 large shallow dishes: first with flour and half the seasoning mix, second with beaten eggs, and third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with remaining seasoning. Place a large tray at the end of your assembly line.
04 - Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage. Place coated pieces on the prepared tray.
05 - Heat enough oil to coat the base of a large pan over medium-high heat. When hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles rapidly, carefully add chicken (working in batches if necessary). Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy, with chicken cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack.
06 - Distribute crumbled feta evenly over the chicken pieces, covering as much surface as possible. Place under a high grill/broiler until the feta turns golden, soft and slightly crisp on top.
07 - Drizzle hot honey over the chicken according to taste preference and serve immediately. Store any leftover honey in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

# Notes:

01 - The hot honey can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Adjust spiciness by adding more chilli flakes or hot sauce after cooling.
02 - For a baked version, first toast breadcrumbs on a tray with oil spray at 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes until light golden. Coat chicken as directed, then place on a baking tray, spray with oil and bake at 220°C/430°F for 10 minutes. Flip, spray again, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through, then continue with adding feta and grilling.
03 - Pairs well with arugula/rocket and potato wedges.