Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy
When I first tried these hot honey chicken cutlets, I was blown away by the irresistible combination of crispy, golden chicken and the sweet-heat kick of the sticky hot honey glaze.
It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to, whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or spicing up your weekend menu. If you enjoy crispy chicken recipes, you can also explore this Hot Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe.
The best part? It’s easy, quick, and turns a humble chicken cutlet into a star dish.
Ingredients You Will Need
To whip up these amazing hot honey chicken cutlets, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half for thinner cutlets)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for a tangy twist)
For Cooking:
- 1 1/4 cups peanut oil (or preferred frying oil)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Note: This recipe serves 4.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
- Gluten-Free: Swap out Italian breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
- Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free honey or a substitute for a healthier glaze.
- Extra Spicy: Increase the cayenne in both the breading and the glaze for a fiery punch.
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella to the breadcrumbs for an extra gooey and cheesy flavor.
- Baked Version: Skip frying and bake the cutlets for a slightly lighter option while keeping them crispy.
For another twist, consider trying Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe, which delivers unique flavors with a crunchy coating.
Cooking Time
You’ll love how quickly you can prepare this dish, even on a busy day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
Gather these kitchen essentials to get started:
- Meat mallet: To pound the chicken cutlets thin for even cooking.
- Shallow bowls: For the eggs, breadcrumbs, and flour.
- Large frying pan: For frying the chicken cutlets until golden.
- Tongs: To flip and handle hot chicken safely.
- Small saucepan: To prepare the hot honey glaze.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets?
Making hot honey chicken cutlets is easy and incredibly satisfying. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the chicken, and using a meat mallet, pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Set Up the Breading Station
Whisk the eggs, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and cayenne in a separate bowl.
Dip each seasoned chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
Fry the Chicken
Heat peanut oil (or any high-smoke point oil) in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test it by dipping the end of a spoon to see if bubbles form), add the breaded cutlets.
Fry each cutlet for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil without losing their crunch.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken rests, prepare the glaze. Combine honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking.
Coat and Serve
Brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over each fried chicken cutlet. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these hot honey chicken cutlets!
- Easy to make: Simple steps, amazing results.
- Crispy perfection: Every bite is crunchy and juicy.
- Customizable flavors: Adjust the spice, sweetness, or even the cooking method.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish always steals the show at dinners and parties.
- Versatile: Works as a main course or in a sandwich, salad, or wrap.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets?
To make this dish shine, serve the cutlets as the focal point of your meal. Arrange them on a large platter and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery roasted vegetables, a crisp side salad, or fluffy dinner rolls. Feeling adventurous?
You might also enjoy serving it alongside this panko chicken with lemon cream sauce recipe for an elegant pairing of flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately):
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 22g
Make Ahead and Storage
These chicken cutlets are easy to prep and store for quick meals throughout the week.
If making ahead, bread the chicken and store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen (just add an extra minute to the cooking time).
Leftovers? Store cooked cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it could make the texture soggy.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Every time I make these, I pick up a few extra tips to make them even better. Here are my favorites for getting your cutlets perfect every time:
- Use a wire rack for draining. This prevents the breading from going soggy.
- Double the glaze recipe. It’s so good, you’ll want extra for dipping!
- Keep oil temperature consistent. Too high, and the breading will burn; too low, and the chicken will absorb too much oil.
- Season each layer. Don’t skip seasoning the meat, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs. Layers of flavor make a difference!
Make your evenings stress-free with ideas from our dinner recipes.
What Oils Work Best for Frying Chicken Cutlets?
For frying chicken cutlets, you need an oil with a high smoke point that won’t overpower the flavors. Peanut oil is my favorite as it fries evenly and cleanly, but vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil work just as well. Avoid olive oil or butter, as they tend to burn at high temperatures required for crispiness.
Now that you have all the steps (and some secret tricks), you’re ready to create the most delicious, irresistible hot honey chicken cutlets! Whether it’s a family dinner or a treat-yourself evening, this recipe is bound to impress. Happy cooking!
Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the chicken, and using a meat mallet, pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk the eggs, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and cayenne in a separate bowl. Dip each seasoned chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Heat peanut oil (or any high-smoke point oil) in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test it by dipping the end of a spoon to see if bubbles form), add the breaded cutlets. Fry each cutlet for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil without losing their crunch.
- While the chicken rests, prepare the glaze. Combine honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking.
- Brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over each fried chicken cutlet. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.