Unicorn Birthday Cake

If you’re looking for a sandwich that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavours, the hot honey chicken sandwich is the answer.

This sandwich features crispy chicken, drizzled with hot honey, and served on a soft bun with your choice of fresh toppings.

It’s a delicious twist on the classic chicken sandwich, offering a unique blend of flavours that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a weekend treat, this hot honey chicken sandwich is sure to impress.

What Is a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich?

A hot honey chicken sandwich is a yummy sandwich made with crispy chicken and a special sauce called hot honey.

Hot honey is a mix of sweet honey and spicy ingredients like hot sauce or chilli flakes.

This sauce gives the sandwich a unique taste that’s both sweet and spicy at the same time.

In a hot honey chicken sandwich, the chicken is cooked until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

hen, it’s drizzled with hot honey sauce and placed on a soft bun with some other tasty ingredients.

This sandwich is exciting to eat because of the mix of flavours that come together in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Sandwich:

• 4 sandwich buns
• Butter or mayo (for toasting the buns)
• Pickles (optional)
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Sliced cheese (optional, cheddar or pepper jack work well)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Marinate the chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.

Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavour.

Prepare the breading: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Bread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.

Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the breading onto the chicken to ensure it’s well coated. For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it with flour again.

Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey

Prepare the hot honey: In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat.

Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes until well combined. Taste and adjust the level of heat by adding more hot sauce if needed. Once the honey is infused with the hot sauce, remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the buns: Spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on the inside of each sandwich bun. Toast the buns in a skillet or under the broiler until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.

Assemble the sandwich:

• Place a crispy chicken breast on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
• Drizzle a generous amount of hot honey over the chicken.
• Add pickles, lettuce, coleslaw, or cheese, depending on your preference.
• Top with the other half of the bun.

Serve immediately: These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot, with the crispy chicken and warm honey offering a perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips and Tricks

Adjust the spice level: You can easily adjust the heat of this sandwich by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes to the hot honey.

Make it healthier: For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken as instructed, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Use chicken thighs: For a juicier sandwich, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have a richer flavor and stay moist even after frying.

Hot honey variations: Try experimenting with different types of hot sauce, such as sriracha, chipotle, or even a smoky barbecue sauce, to change the flavor profile of your hot honey.

Variations

Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich: Instead of hot honey, mix softened butter with honey and a touch of hot sauce, then spread it on the toasted buns before assembling the sandwich.

Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Add a layer of BBQ sauce along with the hot honey for a sweet and smoky flavor combination.

Hot Honey Chicken Wrap: Swap the sandwich buns for tortillas and create a hot honey chicken wrap. Add some avocado slices and ranch dressing for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your hot honey chicken sandwich with a variety of sides to make a complete meal:

French fries or sweet potato fries: Crispy and salty, these are a classic choice.

Macaroni and cheese: Creamy and comforting, mac and cheese complements the spicy sweetness of the sandwich.

Potato salad: A cool, creamy potato salad helps balance the heat of the hot honey.

Grilled corn: Sweet, smoky corn on the cob makes a great side dish for this flavorful sandwich.

Conclusion

The hot honey chicken sandwich is a deliciously sweet and spicy twist on a classic favorite.

The crispy fried chicken, drizzled with warm, spicy honey, and served on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this sandwich is sure to impress and satisfy.

Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a meal that’s full of bold, exciting flavors.