Incredible Hot Honey Chicken Recipe (So Crispy!)

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts (trimmed and sliced in half horizontally (pound to even thickness if needed))
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sprinkle your chicken breast cutlets on each side with kosher salt. Place in a large bowl, then add the buttermilk and combine so that every side of chicken is coated and submerged. Allow to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or covered for 2-4 hours in the fridge (remove it at least 30 minutes before frying so it cooks more evenly).

2. 2

   While the chicken is marinating, whisk the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.

3. 3

   Combine the breading ingredients in a shallow dish. Set aside.

4. 4

   After marinating, use tongs to remove a piece of chicken and shake off the excess buttermilk. Coat both sides in the dry mixture, pressing down gently to help it adhere. Set aside on a cooling rack and repeat with remaining chicken. Allow the chicken to sit for 5 minutes before cooking.

5. 5

   In a 12-inch deep skillet (we use cast iron), heat ½ - ¾ inch of oil over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot. It is hot enough when you drop a crumb of breading in it and the crumb sinks, then rises to the top and sizzles.

6. 6

   Fry 3 pieces of chicken in the hot oil for 4-6 minutes on each side, then place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

7. 7

   Brush 1 tablespoon (or more!) of the sauce on the top of each piece of chicken. Serve immediately.