Description
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish featuring pan-fried chicken cutlets coated in panko breadcrumbs and topped with a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying appetizer, this recipe combines crispy texture with a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that elevates the classic fried chicken to new heights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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 2-3 breasts)
- 2+ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the Hot Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes
For the Egg Wash
- 6 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow square baking dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half to make thinner cutlets, then halve each piece lengthwise to have four thin pieces. Cover with parchment or wax paper and pound gently with a meat tenderizer to an even thinness.
- Heat the Pan: Bring a large sauté pan to just below medium heat (about 4 out of 10). Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and allow it to warm for 1 minute.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, then into the panko mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the breading. Optional: double coat by dipping back into the egg and panko for a thicker crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Working in batches, place the breaded chicken in the hot sauté pan. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Add more olive oil as needed to maintain a thin layer in the pan and avoid overcrowding.
- Prepare the Hot Honey: While the chicken cooks, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Place over low heat and stir occasionally to warm through until ready to serve.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined rack to drain excess oil. Drizzle the hot honey over the chicken or serve on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for maximum crispiness.
Notes
- Stovetop Temperature: Aim for a temperature that is roughly 4 on a scale of 1-10 to prevent burning the breading and smoking oil.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and texture. Grate from a block for best results.
- Breading Technique: For a thicker crust, double bread the chicken by dipping it twice in the egg and panko mixture.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Enhances flavor; Spanish extra virgin olive oil from brands like Trader Joe’s or Costco is recommended.
- Maintaining Crispy Texture: Place cooked chicken on a wire rack over paper towels to keep it crispy by allowing air circulation and excess oil drainage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet (about 150g)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg