Sweet & Spicy Feta-Topped Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Hot Honey Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup honey
10 - 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on your heat preference)
11 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ For Topping

12 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your chicken will get that perfect golden-brown exterior while staying juicy inside.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls to create a breading assembly line. In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
03 - Take each chicken breast and first dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's completely coated but shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure the crumbs adhere to all sides of the chicken. The pressing motion is important to help the coating stick during baking.
04 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a lightly greased rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared surface, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even air circulation and crispier results.
05 - Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. For even cooking and browning, flip the chicken breasts halfway through the baking time. To ensure proper doneness, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
06 - While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture until it's warm and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired. Remove from heat but keep warm.
07 - Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. While still hot, generously drizzle each piece with the warm hot honey sauce, allowing it to coat the crispy exterior. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of each chicken breast. The residual heat will slightly soften the feta, creating a delicious creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.
08 - Serve the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken immediately while still warm to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy coating, juicy chicken, spicy-sweet sauce, and creamy feta. Pair with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

# Notes:

01 - For extra crispy chicken, you can spray or brush the breaded chicken with a little oil before baking.
02 - The type of hot sauce you use will affect the flavor profile - sriracha adds a garlic note, while Frank's RedHot gives a more classic buffalo flavor.
03 - To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading.
04 - Leftover chicken can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness, though the feta may need to be replenished.