If you love the sweet and spicy combo that gets your taste buds dancing, then this Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is about to be your new favorite meal. Imagine crispy, golden fried chicken, topped with a drizzle of hot honey that’s just the right balance of sweet and fiery. This sandwich is bursting with bold flavors and is a perfect way to spice up your lunch or dinner routine. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. You’ll want to make it again and again!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Sweet Meets Heat: The combination of crispy fried chicken with that hot honey sauce brings the perfect mix of flavors. Sweet, spicy, and savory all come together in every bite.
- Crispy Perfection: The chicken gets an irresistible crunch on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside. It’s the ultimate texture combo.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the heat of the honey sauce to match your spice tolerance. Want more heat? Just add a bit more chili flakes. Prefer it milder? Keep it sweet and simple.
- Quick and Easy: Even though this sandwich packs a punch of flavor, it’s super easy to make. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying, crave-worthy meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this sandwich is sure to impress. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this hot honey chicken goodness:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose your favorite cut—both work wonderfully. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for a juicy, crispy bite.
- Flour: For dredging the chicken and creating that crispy outer layer. You’ll want the flour to coat the chicken perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Helps achieve an extra crispy crust on the chicken.
- Egg: To dip the chicken before dredging, helping the flour and cornstarch stick to the chicken.
- Buttermilk: Adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken. It’s the secret to that crispy, juicy chicken.
- Hot Sauce: The key to the heat in the honey sauce. Pick your favorite hot sauce, or use a mild one if you prefer less spice.
- Honey: The sweet counterpart to the hot sauce, creating the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
- Pickles: To add that crispy, tangy crunch that complements the heat and sweetness of the sauce.
- Buns: Soft, fluffy buns are the perfect vessel to hold all these amazing flavors together.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and the honey sauce, enhancing all those delicious flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this irresistible sandwich together:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In one bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it’s fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the buns lightly in the skillet or oven. Place the fried chicken on the bottom half of the bun, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and top with pickles. Place the top bun on and press down gently.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich in half if you’d like to share (or just for easier eating), and dive in! That sweet, spicy, and crispy goodness is just waiting for you.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Want to make your meal even more amazing? Here are a few ideas:
- French Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries for the perfect fast-food-inspired meal.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is the perfect side dish to complement the sandwich’s heat.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These add a slightly sweet, savory contrast to the hot and spicy chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: A simple, buttery corn on the cob is a great pairing that’s easy to make.
Additional Tips
- Extra Crispy: For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken (dip it back in the buttermilk and flour mixture) before frying.
- Make It Your Own: Add extra toppings like lettuce, cheese, or tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
- For the Perfect Heat: Adjust the hot sauce level in the honey sauce to make it as spicy as you like. A touch of cayenne or chili flakes can kick it up even more.
- Make Ahead: You can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven to keep it crispy before serving. Just add the hot honey sauce right before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken tenders would work perfectly. They cook faster and still get that crispy, juicy texture.
Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before drizzling it over the chicken.
Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A3: Absolutely! To bake, coat the chicken in the flour mixture and place it on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.
Q5: Can I use a different sauce instead of hot sauce?
A5: Yes! If you’re not a fan of hot sauce, you can try using barbecue sauce or a mild sriracha for a different flavor profile.
Q6: How can I make this sandwich spicier?
A6: Add more hot sauce to the honey sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes directly onto the chicken before frying.
Q7: Can I use a different type of bun?
A7: Of course! Feel free to use any kind of bun you prefer, such as brioche, whole wheat, or even a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! This recipe is easy to double for a larger crowd. Just make sure to fry the chicken in batches to keep it crispy.
Q9: Can I add cheese to the sandwich?
A9: Yes! A slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese would melt beautifully on the hot chicken and add even more flavor.
Q10: What can I serve this sandwich with?
A10: This sandwich pairs wonderfully with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You could even serve it with a side of roasted veggies for a healthier twist.
Conclusion
The Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy flavors that’ll make you want to eat it every week. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this sandwich is a total win. The best part? You can adjust the heat to your liking and enjoy it just the way you love it. So grab that chicken, heat up some honey, and dive into a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. Enjoy!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches take your dinner to the next level! The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that elevates every bite. The ideal sandwich for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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For the Chicken:
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2-3 large chicken breasts, butterflied
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1.5 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp red pepper
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp cooking oil (more as needed for pan frying)
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1/3 cup hot honey (more as needed)
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For the Toppings:
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Pickles
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Red onion slices
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Buns (optional, not included in nutrition facts)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Breading:
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In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper. Whisk well and set aside.
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In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Butterfly the chicken breasts to make them thinner and easier to cook. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
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Dredge the chicken in the egg wash, then coat fully in the seasoned flour. Arrange on a baking sheet.
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Cook the Chicken:
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For the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spray the chicken with cooking oil and bake for 14-16 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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For the Air Fryer: Spray the chicken with cooking oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, checking the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
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For the Skillet: Heat ¼ cup oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Assemble the Sandwiches:
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Drizzle hot honey generously over the crispy chicken on both sides.
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Place the chicken on a toasted bun, adding mayonnaise, pickles, and red onion slices or any other toppings of choice.
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Serve:
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Enjoy your Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches hot and crispy!
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Notes
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You can make the chicken spicier by adding more red pepper to the breading.
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Buns are optional, but they definitely add to the sandwich experience!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg