We love our readers here at Southern Living, but they LOVE to change up our recipes. We don’t mind—we promise—but it can get a little problematic when they start changing things then complain when the recipe doesn’t work. But that’s an article for another day.
This recipe for Honey-Garlic Chicken cutlets is different. Our reviewers love it just the way it is, which is nothing short of remarkable. Here are a few reasons why our readers love this recipe.
It Starts Out Like Fried Chicken, But Easier
This easy weeknight dinner recipe stars chicken cutlets, which are essentially chicken breasts that have been sliced horizontally into two thinner halves that cook up super fast. We dredge these in a little flour and seasonings, then brown them in the skillet. It’s not as involved as making fried chicken, and much faster.
Victor Protashio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
The Sauce Is Simple And Fast
After the chicken comes out of the pan, in goes butter, shallots (or onion if that’s what you’ve got), and garlic. Chicken broth comes next, get a quick simmer down, then the big flavor players come up to bat. More butter is joined by honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and something spicy that you might not have heard of—sambal oelek.
What Is Sambal Olek?
Sambal Oelek is an Indonesian sauce made from ground chiles, vinegar, and salt. You can find it on the international foods aisle of most chain grocery stores. If your store doesn’t have it, you can substitute any chile paste, such as sriracha, gochujang, or even regular old hot sauce, in a pinch.
Why Folks Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly tasty for two reasons. First, the sauce is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and just a little sweet. Second, the fried breading on the chicken cutlets absorbs the sauce, meaning each bite is saturated with flavor. If the breading weren’t there, the sauce would just roll right off, and that’s waste of good sauce!
