Golden, crispy, and packed with bold flavor, these Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. The cutlets are breaded and fried to perfection, then drizzled with a luscious blend of honey and hot sauce for a fiery yet delightful kick. Every bite is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and irresistibly delicious.
Whether you’re serving them with a fresh salad, on a sandwich with pickles and slaw, or enjoying them straight off the plate, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these cutlets make the ultimate comfort food meal with a spicy twist.
Full Recipe:
- 4 large chicken breasts, sliced in half to make 8 thin pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Egg Mixture:
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tbsp Franks buffalo hot sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano, grated
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Franks buffalo hot sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
Cooking & Garnish:
- 1¼ cup peanut oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
- Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated parmigiano reggiano, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure even coverage.
- Heat peanut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Test oil readiness by dipping the tip of a wooden spoon in—if bubbles form, it’s ready.
- Fry chicken in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, heat honey and hot sauce over low heat for 1 minute, stirring to combine.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried cutlets, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4
Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets: The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy
Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets are a mouthwatering twist on the classic crispy chicken cutlet, offering a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and sweetness. This recipe takes a traditional fried chicken cutlet and elevates it with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce—a simple but flavorful mix of honey and hot sauce. The result is an irresistibly crispy, golden-brown cutlet with just the right amount of heat and sweetness to keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures. The combination of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cayenne in the coating ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Frying the cutlets in peanut oil gives them an extra-crispy crust while keeping the chicken inside juicy and tender. The finishing touch—the spicy honey drizzle—adds a unique layer of sweetness that balances the heat beautifully.
Whether you’re making these for a weeknight dinner, serving them at a gathering, or using them to create an epic chicken sandwich, Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets are guaranteed to be a hit.
The Secret to Crispy, Flavorful Chicken Cutlets
One of the keys to achieving the perfect crispy cutlet is properly preparing the chicken. By slicing the chicken breasts in half and pounding them thin, you ensure even cooking and a tender bite. The dredging process—coating the chicken in a well-seasoned egg mixture followed by a breadcrumb and Parmesan coating—helps lock in moisture while creating a crunchy, golden crust when fried.
Using the right oil is also important. Peanut oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the breading to become crispy without absorbing too much oil. If peanut oil isn’t available, vegetable or canola oil also works well.
The Magic of Hot Honey
The star of this recipe is the hot honey sauce, which takes these cutlets to the next level. Made with just two ingredients—honey and hot sauce—this simple yet powerful drizzle adds a fiery kick that enhances the crispy, savory chicken. The natural sweetness of the honey mellows out the heat from the hot sauce, creating a beautifully balanced glaze.
You can adjust the heat level to your preference by choosing a milder or hotter variety of hot sauce. If you enjoy extra spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
- As a Main Dish: Serve the cutlets with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- In a Sandwich: Place a cutlet on a toasted brioche bun with coleslaw, pickles, and a little extra hot honey for the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich.
- Over a Salad: Slice the cutlets and add them to a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch or honey mustard dressing.
- With Pasta: Pair these cutlets with creamy mac and cheese or a simple garlic butter pasta for a comforting and indulgent meal.
- For Game Day: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces before frying and serve as crispy hot honey chicken bites with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for Success
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures each bite is tender.
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs and Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality Italian breadcrumbs enhance the flavor and texture of the cutlets.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the chicken in batches ensures even browning and crispiness. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, making the cutlets soggy.
- Drain on a Wire Rack: Instead of placing fried cutlets on paper towels, let them cool on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat of the hot honey by using a milder or spicier hot sauce. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes instead of using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven straight from frozen at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy kick. This dish is easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and versatile enough to be served in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun twist on fried chicken, or a crowd-pleasing meal, these hot honey cutlets are sure to impress.