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Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a crave-worthy weeknight dinner that packs a punch of sweet heat and creamy goodness, these Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs are your new go-to. With juicy, crispy chicken, tangy feta, and a sticky hot honey glaze, this dish works for everything from casual family meals to impressing your friends at dinner parties. Ready for a flavor explosion? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs Recipe

  • Combines juicy chicken with a crispy, golden crust for crave-worthy texture.
  • The hot honey glaze adds irresistible sweet and spicy notes.
  • Creamy feta brings a tangy, salty punch that balances the heat.
  • Easy to make for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
  • Pairs perfectly with simple sides for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • ⅓ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade*)
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

*To make your own hot honey, check out this easy guide.

Directions: How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Prep the Chicken & Feta

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top for extra-crispy results.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels for maximum crispiness.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin for extra flavor.

Dredge & Coat

  1. Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each thigh in the flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Press crumbled feta under the chicken skin and a bit on top for extra tangy bites.

Sear for Crispiness

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs, skin side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp. Transfer to the prepared rack, skin side up.

Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes or until juices run clear and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Brush melted butter over the skin for extra richness. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes.

Finish with Hot Honey

  1. Drizzle hot honey generously over the hot, crispy chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh parsley and more feta if desired.
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Notes for the Best Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

  • For maximum crispiness, always pat your chicken dry before seasoning and dredging.
  • Use a wire rack on your baking sheet—this allows air to circulate for even browning. Learn more about this technique from The Kitchn.
  • If you want extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your hot honey.

Variations on Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

  • Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh thyme to the feta for a bright, herby twist.
  • Buffalo Style: Swap hot honey for buffalo sauce for classic spicy flavor.
  • Sheet Pan Method: Arrange chicken on a sheet pan with sliced veggies for a one-pan dinner.

Equipment Needed for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

  • Large skillet (preferably oven-safe)
  • Baking sheet + wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Brush (for butter & honey)

Storage Instructions for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the skin.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

  • Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Try pairing with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the hot honey glaze.
  • For a light option, serve alongside a tangy cucumber-tomato salad.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

  • Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing—cook in batches if needed for the crispiest skin (find more tips at Bon Appétit).
  • Brush the hot honey on while the chicken is piping hot for the stickiest, glossiest finish.

FAQ: Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on that extra-crispy skin; reduce baking time to about 15-18 minutes.
What if I don’t have hot honey?
You can mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a quick substitute.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Looking for more nutrition facts on chicken? Visit Healthline’s guide for details.

★★★★★ 4.60 from 133 ratings

Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 30 mins
total: 45 mins
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy crust, topped with creamy feta and drizzled with spicy hot honey. A bold and flavorful dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup hot honey (or honey mixed with hot sauce)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. 2
    In a shallow bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. 3
    Pat chicken thighs dry. Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, dip in the beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  4. 4
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs, skin side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  5. 5
    Transfer chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle crumbled feta over each thigh. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and crispy.
  6. 6
    Drizzle hot honey over the chicken thighs before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480cal
Protein: 36 gg
Fat: 26 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 24 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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