If you’re craving a sandwich that masterfully combines spicy heat, sweet honey goodness, and crispy, juicy chicken, then this Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is your next must-make meal. It’s a beloved recipe that turns simple ingredients into a magic moment of flavor and texture on a brioche bun. Every bite delivers crunchy, creamy, spicy, and sweet layers that’ll make you want to gather friends or family just to share this unforgettable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bringing together just the right handful of ingredients, this recipe shows how simple essentials can create a truly extraordinary meal. Each component plays a role—from the tangy buttermilk marinade tenderizing the chicken, to the aromatic spices in the coating, all the way to the sweet and spicy sauces that finish the sandwich off perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: Choose pieces about 1.5 inches thick for juicy, even cooking and easy portioning.
- Buttermilk: Its acidity tenderizes the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful after frying.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, used both in the marinade and flour coating.
- Hot sauce: Adds a kick to the marinade, layering gentle heat right from the start.
- Flour: The base of the crispy coating that turns the chicken golden and crunchy.
- Pepper, paprika, and cayenne: These spices build that irresistible aromatic crisp on the outside.
- Peanut oil: The perfect frying oil with a high smoke point and a clean flavor.
- Brioche buns: Soft and slightly sweet bread that balances the spicy chicken beautifully.
- Sriracha aioli: Creamy, spicy mayo that boosts flavor and adds moisture.
- Hot honey: The star of the show, combining sweetness with heat for a sticky, delicious glaze.
- Pepper jack cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken for creamy heat.
- Lettuce leaves: Adds freshness and crunch.
- Crunchy dill pickle chips: Provide a briny contrast that brightens every bite.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by pounding or slicing your chicken breasts so they are evenly about 1.5 inches thick. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, mix together buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce, then submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade. Let them soak for at least one hour—this step is crucial for that tender, flavorful bite everyone loves.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Flour Coating
While your chicken marinates, prepare the dredging mixture. Combine flour with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. These spices are what give the fried crust its bold kick and beautiful deep color. When you’re ready, coat each piece of chicken thoroughly, shaking off any excess so the crust is just right.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat 3 to 4 cups of peanut oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place one piece of coated chicken in the oil at a time. Fry for several minutes on each side until the crust turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep that crust crisp and the inside juicy.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Slice brioche buns and spread a generous tablespoon of sriracha aioli on each half. Add the fried chicken piece, then drizzle with hot honey while it’s still warm so the sweetness melds beautifully with the spicy crust. Top with a slice of pepper jack cheese, a large leaf of crisp lettuce, and crunchy dill pickles. Cap it with the bun top, and get ready for a taste sensation!
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference when serving this sandwich. Crisp lettuce provides a fresh crunch, while pickles add a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness. You can even sprinkle a bit of extra cayenne or drizzle more hot honey if you love that sweet-heat combination amplified.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with classic sides like crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges for an indulgent meal. A simple coleslaw or a light cucumber salad can also offer a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sandwiches open-faced on a wooden board with small bowls of extra hot honey and sriracha aioli for dipping. You could also turn this into a slider party by using mini brioche buns and bite-sized chicken pieces, perfect for gatherings or game day celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe, wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or store components separately in airtight containers. Keep the chicken refrigerated and consume within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried chicken on its own before assembling sandwiches. Wrap pieces well in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches as the bun might get soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat leftover fried chicken, bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make the crust soggy. Then assemble your sandwich fresh with cold lettuce and pickles for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can substitute peanut oil with vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil as they also have high smoke points suitable for frying. Just pick an oil with a neutral flavor to not overpower the chicken.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe?
This sandwich balances spicy and sweet perfectly, with the heat coming from hot sauce in the marinade, cayenne in the coating, sriracha aioli, and hot honey drizzle. If you prefer milder heat, adjust the cayenne or amount of hot honey to taste.
Can I make the hot honey at home?
Absolutely! Simply warm honey gently and stir in chili flakes or a dash of cayenne powder, then let it infuse for a few hours. Homemade hot honey allows you to tailor the heat level exactly how you want it.
Is brioche essential for this sandwich?
Brioche buns add a buttery sweetness and soft texture that complements the spicy chicken admirably. However, you can substitute with potato rolls or even sturdy sandwich buns if brioche isn’t available.
How long does marinating the chicken improve the flavor?
Marinating for at least one hour is necessary to adequately tenderize and flavor the chicken. If you have more time, letting it soak up to 4 hours will deepen the flavors even more for a richer bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe at home—the joy of crisp, spicy chicken sweetened with sticky hot honey on a soft bun is unbeatable. I promise once you try it, this combo will become a go-to comfort food craving that’s impossible to resist. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making this delicious, crowd-pleasing sandwich today!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches combine crispy, juicy fried chicken with a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle, melted pepper jack cheese, and a creamy sriracha aioli, all stacked on soft brioche buns. Perfectly balanced with crunchy pickles and fresh lettuce, this sandwich delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breast pieces, about 1.5 inches thick
- 3 cups buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
Breading
- 1 ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
Frying
- 3–4 cups peanut oil
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 tablespoons sriracha aioli (sriracha mayo)
- 4 tablespoons hot honey
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 1 cup crunchy dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound or slice the chicken breasts so they are an even thickness of about 1.5 inches. This ensures even cooking. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, ½ teaspoon salt, and hot sauce, then submerge the chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse and help tenderize the meat.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 3 to 4 cups of peanut oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Spread about 1 tablespoon of sriracha aioli on the top and bottom buns. Place the fried chicken breast on the bottom bun, drizzle generously with 1 tablespoon of hot honey, then add a slice of pepper jack cheese, a large lettuce leaf, and a handful of crunchy dill pickle chips. Top with the bun’s upper half and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours for more flavor penetration and tenderness.
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or canola oil for frying if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne and hot honey amounts to taste for desired heat level.
- Using a thermometer to check the frying oil temperature helps achieve a crispy crust without greasiness.
- Serve with your favorite side like fries, coleslaw, or a light salad for a complete meal.
