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There’s something downright irresistible about the perfect hot honey chicken sandwich—that crispy, golden-brown chicken, the sticky-sweet heat of homemade hot honey, and the soft, buttery embrace of a brioche bun. It’s the kind of bite that makes you close your eyes and savor every second.
If you love the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a bold kick of sweet heat, this sandwich is about to become your new favorite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers big, bold flavor in every bite.
So, are you ready to take your fried chicken game to the next level? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich is the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and spicy—a total game-changer! Here’s why you need to try it:
- Crispy & Juicy – Buttermilk keeps the chicken tender, while the coating adds the perfect crunch.
- Sweet Heat – Homemade hot honey brings just the right balance of spice and sweetness.
- Soft Brioche Bun – Buttery, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all that flavor.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big bold taste, ready in under an hour.
- Customizable – Add extra spice, pickles, or slaw to make it your own!
One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this crispy hot honey chicken sandwich at home. Simple ingredients, big flavor!
For the Chicken:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2, halved into cutlets |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Hot sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ teaspoon (optional) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
For the Hot Honey:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Honey | ½ cup |
| Hot sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon (optional) |
For Assembling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Brioche buns | 4 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons (for toasting buns) |
| Pickles | As desired |
| Coleslaw (optional) | 1 cup |
With these ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from the ultimate crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken sandwich!
How to Make the Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together for a crispy, juicy, sweet-heat masterpiece! Follow these steps for the perfect hot honey chicken sandwich:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts into even cutlets, so they cook quickly and evenly.
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken cutlets, making sure they’re fully submerged. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the juicier!).
2. Make the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, mix up the crispy coating:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- For that extra crunch, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to your flour mix. It helps give the chicken an even crispier crust when fried!
3. Heat the Oil and Fry the Chicken
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough cooking oil to cover the bottom (about ½ inch deep). The oil should be at 350°F to get that perfect crispy coating.
- Remove each marinated chicken cutlet from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and coat it in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken is frying, make the sweet and spicy hot honey sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Stir over low heat until the butter is melted and everything is well combined.
- If you like an extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for added heat. Set the sauce aside.
5. Toast the Buns
- Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns.
- Toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. This step helps add flavor and keeps the buns from getting soggy when you add all the goodness inside!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
Now it’s time to build your sandwich:
- Place a crispy chicken cutlet on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Add a few pickles and a spoonful of coleslaw (if desired) for a bit of crunch and creaminess.
- Top with the other half of the bun, and voila!
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches hot with a side of your favorite fries or a simple salad. Get ready to enjoy the crispy, juicy, and perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavors in every bite!
And there you have it—your hot honey chicken sandwich is ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips and Variations for the Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Want to take your hot honey chicken sandwich to the next level? Here are some expert tips and fun variations that will make your sandwich even more irresistible:
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Chicken
- Double coat the chicken: For an extra-crunchy exterior, dip your chicken cutlets in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice. This creates an even thicker, crispier coating.
- Maintain oil temperature: If the oil gets too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the coating will be soggy. Aim for 350°F to 375°F for perfect frying.
- Rest the chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack (not paper towels). This keeps the coating crisp and prevents it from getting soggy from trapped steam.
Flavor Variations
- Make it extra spicy: Add more hot sauce to the marinade or mix sriracha into the hot honey sauce for an extra kick!
- Add a smoky twist: Mix smoked paprika into the flour mixture for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet heat.
- Cheese lover’s option: Melt a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese over the chicken right after frying for a gooey, cheesy sandwich.
- Switch up the bun: While a soft brioche bun is a classic choice, try using a potato roll or pretzel bun for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
Pro Tip for the Best Hot Honey
If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try using wildflower honey or clover honey for your sauce. These varieties bring out a deeper sweetness that pairs beautifully with the hot sauce. For a more intense heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the honey sauce!
Make Ahead Tips
- Hot honey: You can make the hot honey sauce in advance! Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- Fried chicken: If you’re prepping ahead, you can fry the chicken a few hours earlier and reheat it in the oven for a crispy finish. Just make sure to store it on a wire rack, not a plate, to prevent it from getting soggy.
With these tips and variations, you can make this hot honey chicken sandwich uniquely yours, and ensure each bite is as delicious as the first!
Serving Suggestions for Your Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Now that you’ve crafted the perfect hot honey chicken sandwich, it’s time to think about how to serve it! While the sandwich alone is a showstopper, pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to a whole new level. Here are some tasty serving ideas that complement the crispy, sweet-spicy goodness of your sandwich:
1. Crispy Fries
Whether you go classic with skin-on fries or opt for something a little more special like sweet potato fries, the crunch and simplicity are the perfect match for the bold flavors of your sandwich. Add a side of ketchup or garlic aioli for extra dipping fun.
2. Coleslaw
For an extra crunch and creaminess, serve your hot honey chicken sandwich with a side of coleslaw. The coolness of the slaw balances the heat from the hot honey, and it adds a fresh texture that complements the crispy chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a vinegar-based slaw for a tangy twist.
3. Pickled Vegetables
The tangy, acidic flavor of pickles or pickled jalapeños provides the perfect contrast to the rich, sweet-spicy sandwich. A few slices of pickled cucumbers or a handful of pickled onions will give each bite an extra punch of flavor.
4. Grilled Veggies
For a lighter option, serve your sandwich with some grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The smokiness of the grilled veggies pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken and sweet-hot honey.
5. Potato Salad
A side of creamy potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Its mild, cool flavor balances the heat of the sandwich, creating a well-rounded meal. Try making it with a mustard-based dressing for a touch of tanginess.
6. A Cold Drink
To wash down your hot honey chicken sandwich, a cold, refreshing drink is key. Go for a classic lemonade or a sweet iced tea. If you prefer something fizzy, a ginger beer or soda will complement the spiciness and sweetness of the sandwich nicely.
Pairing your hot honey chicken sandwich with any of these sides will elevate the meal and make it the perfect combo for any occasion! Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
There you have it! Your hot honey chicken sandwich is ready to shine as the star of any meal. With its irresistible balance of crispy chicken, sweet honey, and spicy heat, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or making it the centerpiece of a weekend cookout, this sandwich has it all.
What makes this sandwich so special is its versatility. You can adjust the heat to your liking, experiment with different toppings, or even try out the variations we shared to give it your own spin. It’s easy to make, delicious, and satisfying, making it the perfect recipe for any occasion.
You can also try Swiss Mushroom Burger That Will Steal Your Heart
The next time you’re craving something bold and flavorful, give this hot honey chicken sandwich a try. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy—a sandwich that’s so good, it might just be illegal! Enjoy!
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich So Good, It Should Be Illegal!
Ingredients
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
- Honey
- Lettuce preferably crisp, such as romaine or iceberg
- Pickles sliced
- Brioche buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich:
- Prepare the chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and a dash of hot sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts into the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge the marinated chicken breasts in the flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the hot honey sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and a bit of hot sauce over low heat.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Assemble the sandwich:
- Toast the brioche buns lightly.
- Place the fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken.
- Add lettuce and pickles to taste.
- Serve:
- Top with the other half of the toasted brioche bun.
- Serve with crispy fries or your favorite side, and enjoy!
FAQs About the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Got some questions about this hot honey chicken sandwich? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the recipe.
1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness.
2. What kind of hot sauce should I use for the hot honey?
Any hot sauce you love will work, but for a balanced flavor, we recommend something with a little tang. Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco are classic choices that pair perfectly with honey. Adjust the heat level based on your spice preference!
3. Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries! You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using it to marinate the chicken.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and will add even more flavor. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for the best results.
5. How can I make the sandwich less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the marinade and use less cayenne pepper in the flour mixture. You can also skip the red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce for a more subtle sweetness.
6. Can I add cheese to this sandwich?
Definitely! A slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or even American cheese would melt beautifully over the hot chicken, adding a creamy, cheesy layer that complements the spicy and sweet flavors.
7. How can I make the sandwich even crispier?
For an extra crispy coating, try double-dipping your chicken in the flour mixture. After dipping the chicken in buttermilk, coat it in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk and coat it again before frying. This will give you an even thicker, crunchier crust!
8. What can I serve this sandwich with?
We recommend pairing your hot honey chicken sandwich with crispy fries, coleslaw, or pickled vegetables. You could also serve it with a side of grilled veggies or a refreshing salad for a lighter option.
We hope these FAQs help you perfect your hot honey chicken sandwich! If you have any other questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—we’re here to help! Enjoy your delicious creation!