Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

ByLila

I’ll never forget the first time I bit into a hot honey chicken sandwich. It was a sunny afternoon at a local food truck, and the combination of crispy chicken, fiery hot honey, and cool pickles hit me like a flavor explosion. My taste buds were dancing, and I knew I had to recreate this magic at home. After countless trials in my kitchen, I’ve nailed a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.

This sandwich is my go-to when I’m craving something bold yet comforting. It’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself. The spicy-sweet hot honey paired with juicy, golden chicken is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and fun. Let’s dive into making the ultimate hot honey chicken sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded to ½-inch thickness)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey:

  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 brioche buns, toasted
  • 8 dill pickle slices
  • ½ cup coleslaw (optional, for crunch)
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Lettuce leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
  2. Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until warm and blended, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken its crispy coating.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Shake off extra flour.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F if using a thermometer). Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
  6. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Add lettuce (if using), fried chicken, a generous drizzle of hot honey, pickles, and coleslaw (if using). Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Pro Cooking Tips

  • Crispier Chicken: Double-dredge by dipping the chicken back in buttermilk and flour for an extra crunchy coating.
  • Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350°F to avoid greasy chicken. Use a thermometer for precision.
  • Hot Honey Balance: Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat. Taste as you go!
  • Bun Choice: Brioche buns add sweetness, but potato or hamburger buns work well too.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne to the flour mix or use a hotter hot sauce in the honey.
  • Grilled Option: Grill chicken instead of frying for a lighter version. Brush with hot honey after grilling.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for thick cauliflower steaks or tofu slabs, following the same dredging and frying steps.
  • Cheese Lover: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack for a melty touch.

Storage Suggestions

  • Fridge: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep hot honey in a jar at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze fried chicken (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
  • Reheating: Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it gets soggy.

How to Serve

Serve hot honey chicken sandwiches fresh for the best experience. Pair with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a side salad for a complete meal. A cold drink like iced tea or lemonade balances the heat. For parties, cut sandwiches into sliders for easy sharing. Add extra hot honey on the side for dipping!

Nutrition Facts (Per Sandwich, Approximate)

  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 900mg

Note: Values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the hot honey or skip them entirely for a milder version.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely. Coat the chicken as directed, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

What’s the best bun for this sandwich?
Brioche is ideal for its slight sweetness, but any sturdy bun like potato or sesame seed works great.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Fry just before serving and drain on paper towels. If reheating, use an oven or air fryer, not a microwave.

Can I make the hot honey ahead?
Yes, prepare it up to a week in advance and store in a sealed jar at room temperature. Warm slightly before using.

Conclusion

This hot honey chicken sandwich is a game-changer—crispy, juicy, and packed with that perfect sweet-heat combo. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crew, this recipe brings bold flavors without the fuss. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to sink your teeth into sandwich heaven. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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