Introduction

These crispy and sweet-spicy hot honey chicken cutlets are a perfect balance of crunchy texture and bold flavor. The combination of golden fried chicken with a drizzle of spicy honey sauce makes for a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts (thinly sliced and pounded)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup breadcrumbs (can substitute with crushed crackers or panko)
1 large egg
1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
0.5 cup honey (high-quality for better flavor)
1 teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust based on heat preference)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally and pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each cutlet first in flour, then coat it in the egg, and finally cover with breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to improve consistency.
Step 5: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the crispy cutlets and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the chicken cutlets with Dijon mustard before coating them in flour and breadcrumbs.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in the honey glaze to suit your preferred spice level.
Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to maintain crispiness or warm in the oven. The honey sauce is best added fresh before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.

What can I use if I don’t have chili flakes or hot sauce?

You can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of smoked paprika for a different kind of heat and flavor profile.

Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

These Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets offer a perfect balance of crispy texture and a delightful sweet-spicy flavor. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are coated in breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a warm, aromatic hot honey drizzle that elevates this dish to a crave-worthy classic.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Cutlets

4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Thinly sliced and pounded)
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 cup Breadcrumbs (Can substitute with crushed crackers or panko)
1 large Egg
1 cup Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Canola)

Hot Honey Sauce

0.5 cup Honey (High-quality for better flavor)
1 teaspoon Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce (Adjust based on heat preference)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces, then pound them evenly to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.
Set up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls in a row—one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This sequence will help create a crispy coating.
Bread the Cutlets: Dip each chicken cutlet first in the flour, then coat it thoroughly in the whisked egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs to cover it completely.
Fry the Cutlets: Heat about 1 cup of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the breaded chicken cutlets for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey with chili flakes or preferred hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave for about 20 seconds to improve consistency and blend the flavors.
Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the crispy chicken cutlets while still hot, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for different textures.
Adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy crust and prevent sogginess.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: hot honey chicken, crispy chicken cutlets, sweet and spicy chicken, fried chicken cutlets, honey chili chicken