Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken features tender chicken cutlets coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and drizzled with a sticky, flavorful hot honey glaze. It’s a perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet heat that’s quick to make and sure to impress.

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, then pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Dip each chicken cutlet first in flour, then coat it in the egg, and finally cover with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm slightly in the microwave to make it easier to drizzle.
- Step 6: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the crispy chicken cutlets and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce to control the heat level to your taste.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the hot honey sauce for a tangy twist.
- Serve with a side of fresh greens or crispy fries for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness; microwave reheating may soften the crust. The hot honey sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
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 for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before dredging and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the cutlets. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan during frying to maintain crispiness.
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Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crunchy chicken cutlet recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet honey and a spicy kick from chili flakes or hot sauce. Thinly sliced and pounded chicken breasts are coated with breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a warm hot honey glaze for a mouthwatering finish. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick dinner and will satisfy those who love the contrast of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts, thinly sliced and pounded
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (or substitute with crushed crackers or panko)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Neutral Oil (vegetable or canola oil) for frying
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: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally and pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. This step helps the cutlets cook evenly and stay tender.
- Set up Breading Stations: Arrange three bowls in a row—one with flour, the second with a whisked egg, and the third with breadcrumbs. This traditional breading setup ensures a crispy coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the flour, shaking off excess, then coat it in the whipped egg, and finally dredge in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This triple-layer coating creates a crunchy crust.
- Fry the Cutlets: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each breaded cutlet for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be sure the oil is hot enough to achieve crispiness without soaking the chicken.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm slightly in the microwave to make the honey easier to drizzle and to meld the flavors together.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken cutlets. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with panko or crushed crackers for different textures.
- Adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for best frying results.
- For a healthier twist, consider baking the breaded cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy chicken, hot honey chicken, spicy honey chicken, fried chicken cutlets, sweet and spicy chicken

