Introduction

These crispy and sweet-spicy hot honey chicken cutlets offer a perfect balance of crunch and flavor. With a golden crust and a drizzle of spicy honey, they make an irresistible meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

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 for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Set up three bowls in a row with flour, the whisked egg, and breadcrumbs. Dip each cutlet first in flour, then coat it in egg, followed by breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for about 4–5 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 slightly in the microwave to loosen the consistency if needed.
Step 5: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the crispy cutlets and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce according to your preferred heat level.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright contrast to the sweet-spicy glaze.
Try substituting chicken breasts with thin pork cutlets for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, or use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving directly as it may soften the crust.

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. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking and adjust frying time as thighs may take slightly longer.

What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or a mild mustard of your choice can work as a substitute. The mustard mainly helps the coating adhere and adds subtle tanginess.

Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.8 from 95 reviews

Delight in crispy, golden chicken cutlets with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors from a hot honey drizzle. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are breaded and fried to achieve a crunchy texture, then topped with a warm, spicy honey sauce that adds an irresistible kick to every bite. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines classic comfort with a flavorful twist.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally, then pound them to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tender cutlets.
Bread the Cutlets: Set up three bowls in a line—one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Lightly coat each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
Fry the Cutlets: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey with chili flakes or your preferred hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to make it easier to drizzle.
Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken cutlets. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce to control the heat level of the hot honey sauce.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola are recommended for frying due to their high smoke points.
Leftover cutlets can be reheated in an oven for best crunch retention instead of a microwave.

Keywords: crispy chicken cutlets, hot honey chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, fried chicken cutlets, easy chicken dinner