How to Make the Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich at Home
Learn how to make the perfect hot honey chicken sandwich at home with a crispy, juicy chicken, sweet and spicy glaze, and all the right toppings!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns toasted
- Pickle slices
- Coleslaw or lettuce optional
- Mayonnaise or spicy mayo optional
Instructions
1- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2- Prepare the Dredge:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
4- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and red pepper flakes. Stir until warmed and well combined.
6- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Brush fried chicken with hot honey sauce. Spread mayonnaise or spicy mayo on toasted brioche buns. Place chicken on the bottom bun, add pickles and coleslaw or lettuce if desired, and top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
- Air-Frying Option: For a healthier alternative, air-fry the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Hot Honey Variations: Adjust the heat level of the sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.