Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious combination of crispy chicken cutlets and a sweet and spicy honey sauce. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, then breaded and baked to perfection. Drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delightful dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken cutlets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl or a zip-lock bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the breaded chicken cutlets. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Turn the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and warmed through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Drizzle Sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken cutlets, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serving
- Serve: Serve the Hot Honey Chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Breading: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and breadcrumb steps.
- Hot Honey Sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your taste preference. For a milder sauce, use less hot sauce and fewer pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets? A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts. If they are thick, you may want to pound them to an even thickness or slice them into cutlets for more even cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken cutlets before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The hot honey sauce can be made fresh when serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Breading: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Honey: Substitute honey with a sugar-free honey alternative.
- Hot Sauce: Ensure the hot sauce used is low in carbs and free of added sugars.
Hot Honey Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its crispy breading and sweet and spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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