Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken delivers a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and fiery flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal. Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
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. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken cutlet first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the honey with chili flakes or your choice of hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to make it easier to drizzle.
- Step 5: Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken cutlets and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken before breading.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce to match your preferred heat level.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished chicken for added brightness.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the coating crisp. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent sogginess.
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 work well for this recipe and tend to stay juicy, but you may need to adjust cooking times slightly as thighs are thicker and contain more fat.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely. To bake, place the breaded chicken cutlets on a greased baking sheet and cook at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
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Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy and Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Chicken recipe features thinly sliced and pounded chicken breasts coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, fried to golden perfection, and generously drizzled with a warm, sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. It’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a delightful crispy texture, ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Thinly sliced and pounded)
Coating
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Can substitute with crushed crackers or panko)
- 1 large Egg
Cooking & Sauce
- 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces and then pound them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Set up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls in a line: one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to improve consistency and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy chicken cutlets and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality honey for a better flavor balance.
- Adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce quantity according to your heat preference.
- If preferred, substitute breadcrumbs with panko or crushed crackers for different textures.
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium-high to achieve a crispy crust without burning.
- Serve with a side of fresh greens or a simple salad to complement the richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Crispy Chicken Cutlets, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Fried Chicken, Honey Chili Sauce
