Picture this: gloriously crispy chicken thighs tucked into toasted brioche buns, swiped with a creamy, spicy honey mayo, layered with crunchy pickles and fresh lettuce. There’s something downright irresistible about a Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey — it’s equal parts spicy, sweet, and crave-worthy. Whether you’re looking to bring a little Southern flair to your weeknight dinner or want to wow friends at your next get-together, this sandwich brings a delicious punch in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you can craft an epic Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey right in your own kitchen. Every component here pulls its weight, building layers of flavor, texture, and pure satisfaction.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy, tender boneless skinless chicken thighs are perfect for frying and stay moist inside a crisp coating.
- Buttermilk: This tangy marinade keeps the chicken ultra-tender and helps the coatings adhere.
- Hot sauce: Adds zing to both the marinade and the mayo, ensuring you get a fiery kick in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of that shatteringly crispy crust we all crave.
- Paprika: Lends deep color and subtle smokiness to the breading.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors and gives the chicken savory depth.
- Salt: Essential for proper seasoning in both the chicken and the coating.
- Black pepper: For a hint of heat and earthiness that complements the fiery hot sauce.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for frying to get the outside golden and crispy.
- Brioche buns: Toasted for that buttery softness that contrasts so well with the crunchy chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo forms the base for your spicy honey spread.
- Honey: The star sweetener that gently tempers the heat and adds lip-smacking stickiness.
- Pickles: For a bright, tangy snap that cuts through the richness.
- Lettuce: A crisp, fresh bite to balance everything out.
How to Make Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together buttermilk and a teaspoon of hot sauce in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, submerging them fully to soak up that tangy, spicy goodness. Give your chicken at least 30 minutes for marinating, but if you have time, let the flavors develop for up to 4 hours in the fridge. This simple marinade is the secret weapon behind juicy, flavorful chicken for your Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend is what creates that glorious, seasoned crust. When you’re ready to fry, remove your chicken from the buttermilk bath and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so every nook and cranny is coated. Don’t be afraid to pat the breading on for an extra-crispy sandwich.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot (a pinch of flour should sizzle), carefully add the breaded chicken. Fry each piece for 4 to 5 minutes per side, keeping the oil at a steady temperature so the breading gets beautifully golden and the inside cooks through. Drain the hot chicken on paper towels and get ready for an incredible crunch.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Mayo
For your signature sauce, stir together mayonnaise, honey, and the remaining hot sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat — add more hot sauce if you’re a chile lover, or a touch more honey to tame things down. This spicy-sweet sauce is what sets your Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey apart from all the rest.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Now for the best part! Toast your brioche buns to a gentle golden color. Slather on the spicy honey mayo, stack on a piece of that freshly-fried chicken, then pile on pickles and fresh lettuce. Top with the second bun and serve while everything is piping hot and ultra-crispy.
How to Serve Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey
Garnishes
A Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey is all about the little extras. A generous handful of crunchy pickle chips instantly brightens up each bite while a few leaves of iceberg or romaine lettuce add color and coolness that tames the heat. Even a light dusting of extra paprika on top can add a pop of color and subtle smoky flavor you’ll love.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, keep things simple yet satisfying. Pair this sandwich with crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips. For a lighter option, a fast green salad or sliced watermelon keeps everything refreshing, making the Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey shine as the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with the presentation! Stack your sandwiches high on a wooden board with small dipping pots of extra spicy honey mayo on the side. For a picnic vibe, wrap each sandwich in parchment and serve with chilled canned sodas. Or make slider-sized versions for a party and watch them disappear.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey components, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns, toppings, and sauce separate to prevent everything from getting soggy. When you’re ready for round two, it’ll be almost as delicious as the first time.
Freezing
Fried chicken freezes surprisingly well! Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you’re just a quick reheat away from a homemade Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey any night of the week.
Reheating
To restore that irresistible crunch, reheat the fried chicken in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the breading soggy. Warm the buns lightly, then assemble fresh with toppings and sauce for sandwich bliss.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work in this recipe; just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook through evenly. Thighs generally stay juicier, but breasts provide a leaner bite.
Is there a way to make this sandwich less spicy?
You can easily dial down the heat: simply use less hot sauce in both the marinade and the mayo. You can also add more honey or even a bit more mayo to the sauce for extra sweetness and creaminess that tempers the spice.
What type Main Course
Classic dill pickle chips bring great contrast, but feel free to try bread-and-butter pickles for a hint of sweetness or spicy pickles for extra heat. Choose what your taste buds love!
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk, then the seasoned flour a second time before frying. This creates an ultra-thick, craggy crust that holds up beautifully—just the thing for a Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying yields the crispiest results, you can absolutely bake the chicken for a lighter touch. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, mist with oil, and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, about 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to spice up your meal routine, look no further than the Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey. It’s bold, comforting, and downright exciting to make and eat. Get those napkins ready—you won’t want to miss a single, sticky, crunchy, spicy-sweet bite.
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Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (active time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey recipe combines crispy fried chicken thighs with a spicy honey mayo, pickles, and lettuce, all sandwiched between toasted brioche buns. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving:
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
- Pickles, for topping
- Lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Spicy Honey Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, and remaining hot sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread spicy honey mayo on buns, then layer fried chicken, pickles, and lettuce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
- For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour again before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
