Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets

The sizzle of chicken frying in oil fills the kitchen, mingling with the sweet and spicy aroma of hot honey. These Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets are not just a delicious meal; they combine tender, crispy chicken with a glaze that adds a delightful kick. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is a surefire way to bring excitement to your dinner table.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish caters to spice enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. You can prepare the chicken cutlets a day in advance, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken cutlets have a perfectly golden and crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
• A simple hot honey sauce elevates the dish with its sweet heat, bringing new flavors to the classic chicken cutlet.
• Quick to prepare and ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile enough for any occasion, you can serve it as a main dish or a party appetizer.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these flavorful chicken cutlets:

For the Chicken

• 8 large chicken breasts, sliced in half to make 8 pieces total
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Egg Mixture

• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp Franks buffalo hot sauce, or hot sauce of choice
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Breadcrumb Coating

• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, seasoned
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano, grated
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Franks buffalo hot sauce, or hot sauce of choice

For Frying

• 1¼ cup peanut oil, for frying the chicken cutlets
• Fresh parsley, to garnish, optional

Use olive oil if allergic to peanuts.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Maple syrup makes a sweet alternative to honey.
• Any hot sauce can replace Frank’s for flavor variation.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your Hot Honey Chicken Cutlets:

1. Slice Chicken

Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half.

2. Pound Chicken

Add a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap onto your cutting board, add a chicken breast, and cover with another piece. Using a meat mallet, pound out the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

3. Season Chicken

Generously season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Whisk Egg Mixture

To a medium-sized bowl, add all of the egg mixture ingredients and whisk well. Set aside until ready to use.

5. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture

To a separate medium-sized bowl, add all the breadcrumb ingredients and mix to combine.

6. Coat Chicken

Add one piece of chicken at a time to the egg mixture, coat both sides, and let the excess drip off. Then, add the chicken to the breadcrumbs and firmly press down to coat both sides. Repeat until all chicken has been coated.

7. Heat Oil

To a large frying pan, add the peanut oil and set to medium-high heat. Tip: The oil is hot enough to fry if small bubbles form around the tip of a wooden spoon when dipped in.

8. Fry Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the hot oil (working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and fry on each side for approximately 3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

9. Cool Chicken

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack and let cool slightly while you prepare the hot honey sauce.

10. Make Hot Honey Sauce

To a small saucepan, add the hot honey ingredients and simmer for 1 minute.

11. Serve

Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken cutlets, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy right away.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, because of the breading texture.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the oil is hot for the crispiest cutlets.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature.
• Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid sogginess.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for desired heat level.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crisp coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with baked potatoes drizzled with butter and herbs.
• Enjoy in a sandwich form with lettuce and tomatoes for a spicy twist.