Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Envision this: a crispy, golden-brown chicken nestled between soft brioche buns, with a tantalizing aroma of honey and spices wafting through your kitchen.

This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich isn’t only delightfully indulgent but also surprisingly easy to whip up.

Watch as simple ingredients transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece, with each bite offering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Ready to savor this comforting treat? Let’s bring this dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large skillet
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 meat thermometer
• 1 pair of tongs

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 4 brioche buns
• 1 cup coleslaw
• 4 slices of pickles

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, here is a suggested timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Spend a few minutes reading the recipe carefully to understand the steps and gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
2. Marinating the Chicken (20 minutes)
   • (0:00 – 5:00) Mix the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and add the chicken breasts. Set aside to marinate.
   • Use this marinating time to prepare other components:
   • (5:00 – 8:00) Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl.
   • (8:00 – 10:00) Preheat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • (10:00 – 15:00) Prepare the honey and hot sauce mixture in a small pan and toast the brioche buns in the skillet.
   • (15:00 – 20:00) Set up a baking sheet for resting the fried chicken and gather the coleslaw and pickles.
3. Cooking the Chicken (15 minutes)
   • (20:00 – 20:30) Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in the flour mixture.
   • (20:30 – 35:30) Fry the chicken in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes on each side, checking doneness with a meat thermometer (chicken should be 165°F internally).
   • (35:30 – 40:00) Place the fried chicken on the baking sheet to rest for 5 minutes.
4. Assembling and Serving (5 minutes)
   • (40:00 – 45:00) Assemble the sandwiches by layering fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickles on each toasted brioche bun. Drizzle with the hot honey mixture and serve immediately.

Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.

Recipe Instructions

Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, and black pepper for 20 minutes.

In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture for full coverage.

Fry the chicken in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Place fried chicken on a baking sheet and let rest for 5 minutes.

Combine honey and hot sauce in a small pan and heat gently until well mixed.

Toast brioche buns in the skillet until golden.

Assemble sandwiches by layering fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickles on each brioche bun, then drizzle with hot honey.

Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.

Serving Tips

• Sweet Potato Fries: A crispy and slightly sweet side that complements the spicy and savory flavors of the sandwich.
• Garden Salad: A fresh and light option that balances the richness of the fried chicken and hot honey sauce.
• Pickle Chips: Adds an extra tangy crunch to the meal, enhancing the pickles already included in the sandwich.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn provides a sweet and buttery contrast to the heat of the sandwich.
• Iced Tea: A revitalizing beverage choice that cools the palate and pairs well with the spicy notes of the hot honey.

Storage

To store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze the hot honey chicken sandwich, individually wrap each fully cooled chicken breast in plastic wrap.

Place in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, use an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

This helps in maintaining crispiness.

Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Reassemble with fresh coleslaw and pickles.

Final Thoughts

The Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a delightful fusion of flavors.

It combines the spiciness of cayenne pepper with the sweetness of honey, providing a balanced taste sensation.

The marinated chicken, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, is fried to a crispy perfection.

This guarantees a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior.

The coleslaw and pickles add a revitalizing crunch and tang, complementing the rich flavors of the fried chicken.

The hot honey drizzle ties everything together, offering a unique sweet and spicy kick.

Toasted brioche buns provide the perfect soft yet sturdy base for the sandwich.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the level of heat by altering the amount of hot sauce.

Whether you prefer a milder version or something with more kick, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Make certain to serve the sandwiches immediately while the chicken is still warm.

This guarantees the best taste and texture. Enjoy this American classic with your favorite sides and beverages for a complete meal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use an Air Fryer Instead of a Skillet for Frying the Chicken?

Yes, you can use an air fryer. You’ll achieve a crispy exterior with less oil. Preheat it to 375°F. Arrange seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for the Flour Mixture?

You can swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, ensuring the same crispy texture. Choose a blend designed for frying. The aroma of spices will still tantalize your senses, offering a delightful, gluten-free indulgence.

What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk in the Marinade?

You can replace buttermilk with a mixture of whole milk and lemon juice or vinegar. This swap curdles, creating a tangy, creamy marinade that tenderizes chicken beautifully, infusing it with subtle dairy richness and a hint of acidity.

How Can I Make the Sandwich Spicier Without Changing the Hot Sauce Amount?

To spice it up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your flour dredge, infuse the coleslaw with minced jalapeños, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the finished sandwich. Savor the fiery crunch with each bite!

Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives to the Chicken in This Recipe?

Swap the chicken with crispy cauliflower or portobello mushrooms. Marinate, bread, and fry them just like the chicken. The vegetables’ earthy flavors meld beautifully with the spicy, sweet honey drizzle, creating a delightful vegetarian sensation.

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 Baking sheet
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Meat thermometer
• 1 pair of tongs

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 4 brioche buns
• 1 cup coleslaw
• 4 slices pickles

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, and black pepper, then add chicken breasts and marinate for 20 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.
• Fry the chicken in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Place fried chicken on a baking sheet and let rest for 5 minutes.
• In a small pan, combine honey and hot sauce and heat gently until well mixed.
• Toast brioche buns in the skillet until golden.
• Assemble sandwiches by layering a piece of fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickles on each brioche bun, then drizzle with hot honey.
• Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.

Notes

For best results, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying by using a meat thermometer to check that it’s around 350°F. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy inside while crisp on the outside. Adjust the hotness of the honey sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste preference.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.