Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Tenders
If you love that perfect mix of crispy, salty, sweet, and spicy, these Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Tenders are going to be a favorite. Juicy chicken is coated in a golden panko crust, baked or fried until crisp, then drizzled with warm hot honey and finished with creamy feta and fresh parsley. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for game day or a casual gathering.
The contrast is what makes this recipe stand out. The crunch of the coating, the tangy feta, and the sticky heat from the honey all come together in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips) or 6 chicken tenders
Breading & Seasoning
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
½ cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with hot sauce)
Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
Toppings
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the chicken. Pat dry with paper towels. If using breasts, slice into even strips for uniform cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station. Place flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge in flour. Coat each piece of chicken lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip in egg. Transfer to the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
Coat in panko mixture. Press firmly so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Arrange on baking sheet. Place coated chicken in a single layer. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil for extra crispiness.
Bake or fry.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If frying, cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Warm the hot honey. Gently heat honey in a small saucepan. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
Finish and serve. Drizzle warm hot honey over the crispy tenders. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips
Use chicken tenders for quicker cooking and even sizing.
Pat chicken dry before breading to help coating stick.
Press the panko firmly onto the chicken for a thicker crust.
For extra crunch, toast the panko in a dry pan before using.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when baking or frying. Air circulation keeps them crispy.
Flip halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Add a pinch of salt to the honey to balance sweetness.
Let fried tenders rest on a rack instead of paper towels for better crispness.
Drizzle honey just before serving so the crust stays crunchy.
Variations
Air Fryer Version: Cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Spicy Cajun Twist: Add Cajun seasoning to the panko mixture.
Lemon Feta Style: Add lemon zest over the finished dish.
Buffalo Honey: Mix honey with buffalo sauce instead of standard hot sauce.
Herb Crust: Add dried oregano and thyme to breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Blend: Mix grated Parmesan into the panko.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Grilled Option: Skip breading, grill chicken, then top with honey and feta.
Mediterranean Bowl: Serve over rice with cucumbers and olives.
Sandwich Style: Tuck tenders into brioche buns with slaw.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bread the chicken and refrigerate up to 6 hours before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat without losing crispiness?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot. Avoid microwaving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze cooked tenders and reheat in the oven from frozen.
What type of feta works best?
Block feta crumbled fresh gives better texture than pre-crumbled.
Is hot honey very spicy?
It depends on the brand. You can control heat by adjusting hot sauce.
Can I pan-fry instead of deep-fry?
Absolutely. Use about ½ inch of oil and flip halfway.
Why did my breading fall off?
Make sure to pat chicken dry and press breadcrumbs firmly.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy.
What sides pair well?
Roasted vegetables, fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 480–520
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 650–750mg
Values vary depending on cooking method and honey used.
Conclusion
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Tenders deliver bold flavor with very little effort. You get juicy chicken wrapped in a crunchy coating, finished with a glossy drizzle of heat and sweetness, and balanced by creamy feta. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you try that sweet and spicy combination with the salty feta, it’s hard not to come back for seconds.