How to Make the Best Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich at Home

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown chicken sandwich, perfectly balanced with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just someone who craves restaurant-quality meals at home, this hot honey chicken sandwich will hit all the right notes. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also easy to make with simple ingredients. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into how you can make the best hot honey chicken sandwich right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This isn’t just any ordinary chicken sandwich. It’s the kind of meal that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet yet fiery glaze, all nestled between two toasted brioche buns. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making it:

• Sweet and Spicy Perfection: The hot honey sauce delivers a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
• Crispy Coating: The fried chicken is perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside.
• Easy Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.

Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to know.

Ingredients for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

For the Chicken

For the Hot Honey Sauce

For Assembling the Sandwich

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is key to achieving tender and juicy meat. Here’s how:

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally if they are very thick.
2. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk, cover the bowl, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the best results, marinate overnight.

Pro Tip: The acidity in the buttermilk helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it incredibly tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, prepare the dry coating for that perfect crispy crust.

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
3. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better when frying.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil temperature should be around 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Transfer the fried chicken to a clean wire rack to drain excess oil.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging process before frying.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken rests, prepare the hot honey sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and heated through.
3. Remove from heat and set aside. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.

Assembling the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!

Step 1: Toast the Buns

1. Slice the brioche buns in half and spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides.
2. Toast the buns in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

1. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
2. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken.
3. Add pickles and coleslaw, if using.
4. Top with the other half of the bun.

Tips for the Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Want to take your sandwich to the next level? Here are some helpful tips: Choose the Right Cut of Chicken:

Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier after frying, while breasts provide a leaner option with a firmer texture.

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor:

Marinating in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (ideally overnight) tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Add spices (like cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika) to the buttermilk for extra depth.

• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch:

After the first dredge in the seasoned flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge again. This creates a thicker, crispier coating.

Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.

• Temperature Control While Frying:

Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low, and the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy.

Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.

• Make the Hot Honey Sauce Balanced:

Use a mild honey to let the hot sauce shine. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes. For a smoky touch, try smoked hot sauce or smoked paprika.

• Toast the Buns:

Lightly toasting the brioche buns adds texture and helps them hold up better to the juicy chicken and sauce. A thin layer of butter before toasting adds extra richness.

• Layer Thoughtfully:

Spread a thin layer of mayo or aioli on both sides of the bun to add creaminess and prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Add crunchy elements like pickles or slaw for contrast with the crispy chicken. A bit of acidity balances the richness of the fried chicken.

• Serve Immediately:

The sandwich tastes best fresh, when the chicken is hot and crispy, and the sauce is still warm. If making for a crowd, keep the fried chicken in a warm oven until ready to assemble.

FAQ: Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Q2: What type of honey should I use?

The type of honey you use can greatly influence the flavor of your hot honey sauce. Here are some options based on the flavor profile you’re aiming for:

1. Clover Honey (Classic and Neutral)

• Flavor: Mild, floral, and sweet.
• Why Use It: Clover honey is a great base because it lets the heat and other added spices shine without overpowering them.
• Best for: Traditional hot honey sauce.

2. Wildflower Honey (Rich and Floral)

• Flavor: More complex, with floral and slightly earthy notes.
• Why Use It: Adds a richer, more interesting sweetness to the sauce. Perfect if you want the honey to stand out more.
• Best for: A more flavorful, aromatic hot honey.

3. Orange Blossom Honey (Bright and Citrusy)

• Flavor: Light, with citrus undertones.
• Why Use It: Adds a subtle hint of citrus, which pairs beautifully with fried chicken and enhances the tanginess of pickles.
• Best for: When you want a slightly fruity, fresh-tasting hot honey.

4. Buckwheat Honey (Bold and Earthy)

• Flavor: Dark, robust, and molasses-like.
• Why Use It: Its strong flavor adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Pair it with smoked or chipotle hot sauces for a smoky-spicy combination.
• Best for: A deep, rich, and bold hot honey.

5. Spicy Infused Honey (Ready-to-Use Option)

Best for: Quick and easy hot honey sandwiches.

Flavor: Already infused with chili or pepper flavors.

Why Use It: Convenient if you don’t want to make your own hot honey from scratch. Brands like Mike’s Hot Honey are popular.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Q4: Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the hot honey sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich!

There you have it—an easy, step-by-step guide to making the best hot honey chicken sandwich at home. With crispy, juicy chicken, a perfectly balanced hot honey sauce, and your favorite toppings, this sandwich is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend lunch or a special dinner, it’s sure to impress.

Why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to this irresistible sandwich. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to plain old chicken sandwiches again.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how your hot honey chicken sandwich turned out!