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
Scale
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
