Name: Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1 cup regular breadcrumbs; 3/4 cup grated parmesan; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders; 2 sticks (1 cup) cold salted butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Honey, for drizzling; Flaked sea salt, for finishing

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, look no further than this Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe. Imagine tender chicken tenders wrapped in a perfectly golden, crunchy coating of panko and parmesan, kissed with a hint of garlic and turmeric, and then drizzled with luscious honey for that ideal sweet contrast. Every bite hits a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and subtly sweet, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several pieces of golden brown, breaded food frying in bubbling yellow oil inside a black pan. The breaded pieces have a crisp, rough texture with small darker spots and are partially covered by frothy, light yellow oil bubbles. The bubbles vary in size and add a dynamic look to the cooking scene, with the food pieces appearing to be partially submerged and sizzling. The whole setting suggests the food is being cooked at a high temperature with active frying action. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in making this Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe shine. From the mix of breadcrumbs for crunch to the savory parmesan and aromatic spices, every element contributes to the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture.

1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs: Adds an airy crunch that’s unbeatable in crispiness.
1 cup regular breadcrumbs: Provides a sturdy base to help the coating stick perfectly.
3/4 cup grated parmesan: Brings a salty, nutty richness that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon turmeric: Adds a lovely golden color and a mild earthy warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.
2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder for the breading.
2 pounds boneless chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for this recipe.
2 sticks (1 cup) cold salted butter, cubed: Adds rich flavor and helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Supports browning and adds subtle fruity notes.
Honey, for drizzling: The final touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory crisp.
Flaked sea salt: To finish with bursts of salty crunch that amplify all the flavors.

How to Make Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Breading Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, combine your panko bread crumbs, regular breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. This blend is the secret to that amazing crunchy coating that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Egg

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the chicken tenders and toss them until every piece is beautifully coated in egg. This step is critical because it helps the breading stick to the chicken perfectly and makes the cutlets extra crispy.

Step 3: Dredge in the Breadcrumb Mixture

Now comes the fun part—dredging your chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press each tender firmly into the crumbs ensuring a full, even coat. This will create a thick, golden crust when cooked.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

You have two great options here. For baking, arrange your coated chicken on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp and golden. If you prefer pan-frying, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat with a mix of butter and olive oil. Sear the chicken in batches until golden on each side, then add the remaining butter to baste before transferring to the oven to finish cooking for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Once cooked, serve these crispy cutlets hot. Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra parmesan if you like. This final step adds a burst of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that make this Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe

The image shows a pile of crispy fried chicken pieces placed on a black wire rack lined with brown paper on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces are golden brown with a crunchy texture, sprinkled with coarse salt. A woman's hand is holding a fork, lifting one piece of chicken near the bottom right corner. To the top right, there is a glass filled with amber-colored beer with a light foam on top. The overall setup has warm lighting highlighting the crispiness of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can add a fresh contrast to the rich, crispy chicken. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully and balances the honey’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

These chicken cutlets go wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic-roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes for comfort and heartiness. A side of steamed broccoli or snap peas offers a perfect crunch and fresh bite alongside the savory cutlets.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cutlets as the star of a sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a smear of your favorite mayo or aioli. You can also slice them up and toss them over a leafy salad or grain bowl for a hearty lunch that’s impressively easy to pull together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crispy enough for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken cutlets by placing them on a parchment-lined tray first to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the delightful crispiness, reheat your chicken cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method preserves that golden texture better than a microwave, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breasts work well for this recipe; just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Is there a substitute for parmesan?

If you don’t have parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative with a similarly sharp, salty flavor. You could also experiment with a mild cheddar or asiago, but parmesan really shines here.

What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs alone will work, but panko gives that signature extra crunch. If you can’t find panko, crushing cornflakes or crackers can be a crunchy substitute.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap both breadcrumb types for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture intact.

How much honey should I drizzle?

It depends on your taste, but typically 1 to 2 tablespoons is perfect—just enough to add sweetness without overpowering the savory parmesan coating.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and irresistibly crispy with that perfect sweet finish. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, it always impresses. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!