There’s something undeniably crave-worthy about a sandwich that’s crispy, juicy, sweet and spicy and this Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich checks every single box. It’s like your favorite fried chicken spot met a bottle of honey and fell in love. One bite in, and you’ll be hooked.
I first made this on a whim after a friend wouldn’t stop raving about a hot honey fried chicken sandwich she had at a trendy brunch place. I figured, why not try it at home? And wow once I got that perfect crunch on the chicken and drizzled that warm, sticky hot honey over top? Game. Changed.
This sandwich has quickly become one of those “make it for friends, get asked for the recipe immediately” kinds of dishes. Trust me, you’re gonna want to save this one.
This hot honey chicken sandwich recipe has quickly become one of the most searched-for comfort food twists and it’s no surprise why. It hits all the right notes: crispy texture, bold flavor, and that addictive sweet-spicy combo that’s taking over food blogs and menus alike. Whether you’re searching for “honey hot chicken sandwich” or trying to recreate your favorite fast-casual dish at home, this version brings that restaurant magic right into your kitchen.
In fact, search trends show that hot honey fried chicken and sweet and spicy crispy chicken sandwich are rising stars in the culinary world. By combining those elements in one irresistible sandwich, you’re not just treating your tastebuds you’re staying right on trend with what food lovers are craving in 2024.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
- Perfect sweet and spicy balance. It’s not too hot, not too sweet just a delicious flavor bomb.
- Ridiculously crispy chicken. Thanks to a double dredge and just the right spice mix.
- The hot honey? Next level. Sticky, golden, and slightly smoky.
- Better than takeout. Seriously it tastes gourmet but is easy to make at home.
Ingredients (See Recipe Card Below for Full Measurements)
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Buttermilk
- Hot sauce
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Paprika, garlic powder, cayenne
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- Honey
- Hot sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
To Serve:
- Brioche buns
- Pickles (yes, please!)
- Mayo or spicy aioli
- Optional: shredded lettuce, coleslaw
How to Make the Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix buttermilk and a few dashes of hot sauce. Add chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for max flavor).
2. Prep the Dredge
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This is what makes it extra crispy.
3. Coat and Fry
Remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and coat well in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the chicken until golden and cooked through about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, warm the honey with hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar if using. Let it bubble gently, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
Toast your brioche buns. Spread with mayo or spicy aioli, layer with pickles, and top with the crispy fried chicken. Drizzle generously with hot honey. Close it up and try not to devour it in one bite.
Tips for the Best Honey Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Use cornstarch in the dredge. It’s the secret to that restaurant-style crispy coating.
- Adjust the spice level. More hot sauce = more heat. You’re in control.
- Don’t skip the pickles. The briny crunch balances the sweet-spicy vibes.
- For a lighter version, air fry or bake the chicken still tasty, just less indulgent.
Looking for another sandwich with big flavor and a sweet-savory twist? Check out this Oaxacan Plantain Sandwich it’s a unique, tropical take that balances sweet plantains with savory fillings beautifully.
The Sandwich That Made Me a Hot Honey Believer
I’ve always loved a good fried chicken sandwich, but this sweet-and-spicy combo took things to another level. It’s now my go-to for casual dinner nights, backyard BBQs, and anytime I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s bold, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to throw together. And that hot honey? I keep a jar in my fridge at all times now it goes on everything.
FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully here.
Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Definitely. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just warm before serving.
Is this sandwich really spicy?
You control the heat! Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your taste.
Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead?
Yes bake at 425°F or air fry at 400°F until crispy and cooked through. Spray with oil for extra crunch.
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Crispy fried chicken drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey, served on a toasted brioche bun with pickles and creamy mayo. A crave-worthy sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp hot sauce (for marinade)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns
- Pickles
- Mayo or spicy aioli
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a separate bowl.
- Coat chicken in flour mixture. Fry in oil at 350°F until crispy and cooked through.
- Warm hot honey ingredients in a small saucepan. Let bubble slightly, then remove from heat.
- Assemble sandwiches with mayo, pickles, chicken, and a drizzle of hot honey.
Notes
Air fry or bake the chicken for a lighter version. Store leftover hot honey in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 34g
Keywords: hot honey chicken sandwich, honey hot chicken sandwich, honey chicken sandwich, hot honey fried chicken, sweet and spicy crispy chicken sandwich
When Sweet Meets Spicy, Magic Happens
This hot honey chicken sandwich brings big flavor without a ton of fuss. It’s crispy, golden, sticky, spicy, and sweet basically, everything you want in a sandwich. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a casual cookout, or just a self-care Friday night in, it’s bound to become a favorite.
What makes this sandwich so memorable isn’t just the crunch or the heat it’s the way all the flavors come together in one perfect, messy bite. You’ve got the richness of the fried chicken, the sweetness of the honey, the tang from the vinegar, and the slow-building warmth of the spice. It’s comfort food with a little kick and a whole lot of personality.
And let’s be real: there’s something oddly satisfying about biting into a sandwich that drips a little down your wrist that’s when you know you nailed it. Serve it with fries, coleslaw, or even a simple salad, and you’ve got a showstopper of a meal that’s anything but ordinary.