Prepare to fall in love with Crispy Hot Honey Chicken, a dish that perfectly balances crunch with a sticky, spicy sweetness. This recipe takes simple chicken breasts and transforms them into a culinary delight guaranteed to excite your taste buds and have everyone at the table clamoring for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Crunch: Each bite offers the perfect crunch thanks to panko breadcrumbs expertly golden-fried to perfection.
- Sweet and Spicy Kick: The hot honey drizzle infuses every mouthful with a tantalizing blend of sweetness and heat that leaves you reaching for just one more piece.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create a standout dish that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken. Each element plays a vital role, partnering to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down!
- Panko Bread Crumbs: These light and airy breadcrumbs provide the ultimate crispiness when fried.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a savory depth and umami that elevates the breading.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This isn’t just for frying; it also infuses a rich flavor profile into the crust.
- Hot Honey: A simple blend of honey and red pepper flakes to bring that essential spicy-sweet contrast.
Variations
This recipe is delightfully adaptable, proving that you can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Dive into these variations!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising the crunch.
- Spicier Honey: Amp up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the honey.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Station
Lay out two shallow dishes—one for your panko mixture, peppered with salt and parmesan, and one for the whisked eggs. This setup makes the breading process seamless and simple.
Step 2: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Cut and pound the chicken to even, thin pieces for a quicker, consistent cook. Covered with parchment, tenderizing your chicken gives it a uniform thickness for even frying.
Step 3: Coat and Cook to Perfection
Successfully coat each chicken slice by dipping it into the seasoned eggs, followed by the panko mix. Fry in olive oil on medium heat, ensuring each piece turns a delightful golden brown.
Step 4: Create and Serve with Hot Honey
Warm the honey and infuse it with red pepper flakes while the chicken is frying. Serve by drizzling generously over your plated chicken, or set it aside as a dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
- Keep It Crispy: For maximum crispiness, place cooked chicken on a wire rack to prevent steaming and maintain that crunchy texture.
- Hot Honey Magic: Allow the honey and pepper flakes to simmer on very low heat, enough time to meld without burning.
- Consistent Heat: Use a medium and steady heat setting to prevent burning the breadcrumbs while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon over the top can bring a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness and spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light arugula salad. The sides’ simplicity allows the chicken’s flavors to truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the chicken slices over a bed of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast in texture. Turning this recipe into sliders with soft buns and crunchy pickles adds a fun and flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Hot Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the hot honey separate to maintain crispiness upon reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, bake at 350°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet, ensuring the chicken stays crisp. Drizzle with freshly heated hot honey just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer a juicier alternative and are a great substitute that still pairs beautifully with the hot honey drizzle.
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Is it okay to use store-bought hot honey?
Yes, store-bought hot honey can save time and still deliver that signature spicy-sweet touch. However, making your own allows control over the heat level and flavor intensity.
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What oil works best for frying?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor, but you can also use sunflower or canola oil if you prefer a neutral option with a higher smoke point.
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How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the honey, or serve the honey on the side to allow each person to adjust their own heat preference.
Final Thoughts
Why not treat yourself to the unforgettable taste of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken today? It’s an easy, flexible dish that’s guaranteed to offer a flavor explosion with every bite. Go ahead, I promise you won’t regret diving into this spicy-sweet adventure!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful chicken cutlets coated in panko and finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish combines the crunch of pan-fried chicken with the sticky heat of honey and red pepper flakes for an irresistible flavor profile.
Ingredients
For the Breading
- 3 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast (about 4 pieces)
- 6 large eggs
- 2+ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For the Hot Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a shallow square baking dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, salt, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt and cheese throughout the crumbs.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate shallow baking dish, whisk the eggs until well blended. Set both dishes aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces, then cut each in half lengthwise for four pieces total. Cover with parchment or wax paper and gently pound with a meat tenderizer until thin but not overly fragile.
- Heat Pan: Bring a large sauté pan to just below medium heat (about 4/10). Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then press into the panko mixture, ensuring you press the crumbs firmly onto all sides. For extra crunch, you may double dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Cook the Chicken: Working in batches, place chicken in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden brown on one side, flip carefully, then cook another 2 minutes until fully cooked and crispy. Adjust olive oil as needed to keep the bottom of the pan coated.
- Make Hot Honey: While the chicken is cooking, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle with warm hot honey or serve on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for maximum crispness.
Notes
- Maintain stovetop temperature around ‘4’ on an electric stove to prevent burning the breading.
- Using freshly grated parmesan enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken pieces to ensure a crispy coating.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and crispiness.
- Place cooked chicken on a wire rack to keep it crispy and prevent sogginess.
- Hot honey can be prepared ahead and kept warm on low heat until serving.
- This recipe pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with hot honey
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
