Introduction

These crispy and sweet-spicy hot honey chicken cutlets are a delightful twist on a classic dish. Thinly sliced and perfectly fried, they offer a wonderful balance of crunchy texture and bold, flavorful heat with a touch of sweetness.

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, then pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Step 2: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each cutlet first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm slightly in the microwave or on the stove to help the flavors blend and improve the drizzle consistency.
Step 5: Drizzle the hot honey generously over your crispy chicken cutlets and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the hot honey drizzle for a bright, tangy contrast.
If you prefer, bake the cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thinly sliced chicken thighs work well and can offer a juicier, more flavorful result. Just make sure to pound them evenly for consistent cooking.

How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?

The spice level depends on how much chili flakes or hot sauce you add. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to suit your heat tolerance.

Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

These Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets feature tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts fried to a golden crisp and drizzled with a flavorful hot honey glaze. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these cutlets offer a delightful crunch with a sticky, spicy finish that’s sure to impress.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Cutlets

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

Wet Ingredients & Coating

2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
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 into thin pieces, then gently pound each cutlet to an even thickness ensuring uniform cooking.
Set up dredging stations: Arrange three bowls in a line – one with flour (though not explicitly mentioned in ingredients, assumed from the dipping step), one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This setup will help the coating stick properly.
Coat the cutlets: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the flour, ensuring an even dusting, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
Fry the chicken: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
Prepare hot honey glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the crispy chicken cutlets and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality honey for richer flavor in the glaze.
Adjust chili flakes or hot sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Pounding the cutlets ensures even cooking and tenderness.
If you prefer gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed crackers.
To reduce oil absorption, maintain proper oil temperature between medium-high heat while frying.

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