Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets

I first discovered the magic of hot honey chicken cutlets during a late-night craving for something crispy and spicy that didn’t take hours to make so I rummaged through my kitchen with half a plan and a whole lot of hunger and then I decided to coat chicken cutlets in a golden crust and finish them with a drizzle of fiery honey. From the first bite I knew this would be a staple recipe and now it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food with a kick.

What I love most is how that balance of crunch and sweet heat always surprises people and it never fails to get compliments around the dinner table or at game night with friends. The contrast between the juicy chicken and that sticky glaze is completely addictive and it’s one of those recipes that feels special even though it’s incredibly easy to pull together.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken cutlets – Thinly sliced and tender pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
• Eggs – Help the breading stick beautifully to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour – Adds the first layer of coating and helps the egg adhere better.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Give that extra-crispy texture on the outside.
• Garlic powder – Brings a warm, savory note to the coating.
• Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle depth and a touch of smoky flavor.
• Salt and black pepper – Season the chicken and boost the flavor overall.
• Olive oil – Used to shallow-fry and crisp up the coating perfectly.
• Hot honey – A spicy-sweet glaze that takes the whole dish to the next level.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls – For dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Whisk – To beat the eggs smoothly and evenly.
• Tongs – For safely turning and transferring the chicken without splashing.
• Skillet – A heavy-bottomed pan is best for frying to get even browning.
• Cooling rack – Helps keep the cutlets crispy after frying.
• Meat thermometer – Ensures your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

I like to start by setting up three bowls – one with flour seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper then one with beaten eggs and finally one with panko breadcrumbs. This makes the coating process smooth and mess-free.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

I take each chicken cutlet and dredge it first in the flour mixture then dip it into the egg and finally press it into the breadcrumbs making sure it’s completely coated. I always give it a gentle shake after each step to remove excess.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

I pour enough olive oil into my skillet to cover the bottom and heat it over medium-high heat. I always test it by dropping a breadcrumb in – if it sizzles right away the oil’s ready.

Step 4: Fry the Cutlets

I carefully add the chicken cutlets to the hot oil in batches and cook each one for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy. I transfer them to a cooling rack to stay crispy.

Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey

While the chicken is still warm I drizzle each cutlet generously with hot honey. The heat from the cutlet warms the honey slightly helping it melt right into the crust.

Tips

If you want an even crispier crust I recommend double-dipping the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. I also sometimes make my own hot honey by combining honey with a splash of hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. And if you prefer baking I’ve had success baking the cutlets at 425°F for about 20 minutes flipping halfway through.

Ways to Serve

These cutlets are amazing over a simple salad with a drizzle of extra hot honey or tucked into a sandwich with slaw and pickles. I also love serving them with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a comforting dinner. You can even slice them up and toss them in wraps or bowls for lunch the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets ahead of time?

Yes you can fry them ahead and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness before serving.

What type of honey should I use for Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets?

I use regular clover honey and mix in hot sauce or chili flakes for the spicy kick.

Can I air fry Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets instead of frying?

Absolutely just spray them lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes flipping halfway through.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these hot honey chicken cutlets a try! They’re bold crunchy and full of flavor and I’d love to know how they turned out for you. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next weekend dinner plan or game night!

Happy Cooking!

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