Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Introduction
These crispy and sweet-spicy hot honey chicken cutlets are a perfect balance of crunchy texture and bold flavor. The blend of honey and chili adds a delightful kick that will satisfy your taste buds. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
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 to ensure uniform cooking.
- Step 2: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with the whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken cutlet first in flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for 4 to 5 minutes on each side 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 sauce generously over the crispy chicken cutlets and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, try using panko breadcrumbs and fry in shallower oil to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or by substituting with your favorite hot sauce.
- Serve with a side of fresh greens or a simple slaw to balance the sweetness and heat.
Storage
Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts and slice them while thawed for even cooking and easier handling. If using frozen, fully thaw before slicing and pounding.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you don’t have honey, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
PrintCrispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets combine tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a flavorful hot honey glaze made with high-quality honey and chili flakes. This easy-to-make dish balances a crispy exterior with a sweet and spicy kick, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- Slice and Pound Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then pound each piece to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls in a row: one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This will streamline the coating process.
- Bread the Chicken Cutlets: Dip each pounded chicken cutlet first into the flour to coat lightly, then into the egg to moisten, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere well for a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour a generous amount of neutral oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, perfect for frying.
- Fry the Cutlets: Carefully place the breaded cutlets in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey and chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to make it more pourable and to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the crispy chicken cutlets just before serving. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispiness, sweetness, and heat.
Notes
- Ensure chicken cutlets are evenly pounded to prevent uneven cooking.
- You can adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor contrast with the spicy elements.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the fried cutlets.
- Leftover cutlets can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispness.
Keywords: crispy chicken cutlets, hot honey chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, fried chicken cutlets, honey chili chicken, easy dinner recipes
