If you are craving a sandwich that delivers a punch of flavor with every bite, you have landed in the right place. The Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is an irresistible combination of crispy, juicy chicken married with a sweet, spicy drizzle of hot honey. Each element sings and the textures come alive – the crunch of perfectly fried chicken, the creamy heat of sriracha aioli, the cool crunch of pickles, and the soft, buttery brioche bun all work in harmony. Sharing this recipe feels like passing on a little treasure that guarantees smiles around the table and filled bellies with happy hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but each is essential to building the depth of flavors and textures that make this Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe such a star. From tenderizing the chicken in a flavorful buttermilk bath to the perfect blend of spices in the flour coating, every item has a role in this delicious symphony.
- 4 chicken breast pieces (about 1.5 inches thick): Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and juicy results.
- 3 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the marinade.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce: Gives the pickle-tangy buttermilk marinade an extra kick.
- 1½ cups flour: Creates the crispy fried coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt: For seasoning the flour mixture.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat and background spice.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings smoky warmth and rich color.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne: Provides that bold spicy heat in the crust.
- 3-4 cups peanut oil: Ideal frying oil with a high smoke point for golden crispiness.
- 4 brioche buns: Soft, buttery buns balance the heat and crunch.
- 4 tablespoons sriracha aioli (sriracha mayo): Creamy, spicy spread that elevates every bite.
- 4 tablespoons hot honey: Sweet heat drizzle that sets this sandwich apart.
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese: Melts perfectly for a little smoky, spicy cheese vibe.
- 4 large lettuce leaves: Adds fresh crispness.
- 1 cup crunchy dillies (pickle chips): Sharp, tangy crunch that cuts through richness.
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are an even thickness—either pound them gently or slice through to even out thick spots. This promotes uniform cooking and juicy texture. Next, mix the buttermilk with salt and hot sauce, and submerge the chicken entirely in this flavorful bath. Let it soak for at least an hour. This step not only tenderizes but also infuses the chicken with subtle heat and tang.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Coating and Fry
While your chicken marinates, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne in a wide dish. This spice mixture is where much of the crispy crust’s character comes from—smoky, spicy, and perfectly seasoned. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Heat up the peanut oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 6–8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Drain them on paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
Step 3: Assemble Your Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Now the fun part: layering all your delicious components. Toast your brioche buns lightly for extra flavor and sturdiness. Spread a generous layer of sriracha aioli on each bun half for that creamy heat burst. Next, add your perfectly fried chicken and immediately drizzle with luscious hot honey so it drips enticingly over the crust. Layer on a slice of pepper jack cheese to melt slightly, followed by a crisp lettuce leaf and a handful of crunchy dill pickle chips for tang and texture. Top with the bun crown—and get ready to dive in.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley can brighten up the sandwich visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the hot honey drizzle echoes the sweet-salty contrast beautifully. For a touch of extra zest, add thin slices of red onion or jalapeño.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches shine alongside crispy fries or crunchy coleslaw to complement the bold textures. For a healthier twist, opt for a light cucumber salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Macaroni and cheese fans will find this pairing pure comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe sliders-style for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Alternatively, stack the sandwich open-faced on a pretty platter with hot honey drizzled artistically around for a rustic, inviting look. Wrapping the sandwiches in parchment paper adds to the charm and keeps everything neat for casual dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover fried chicken pieces tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep sandwich components like buns, aioli, lettuce, and pickles separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save the fried chicken for later, freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make quick meal options when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken sandwiches by removing lettuce and pickles, then warming chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness. Refresh all fresh toppings just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for frying, and confirm that your hot sauce and aioli ingredients are gluten-free too. The flavor will still be amazing.
What type of hot honey should I use?
Store-bought hot honey works great for convenience, but you can also make your own by gently warming honey with chili flakes or your favorite hot pepper to infuse it. Homemade hot honey lets you control the heat level perfectly.
Is peanut oil necessary for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which is perfect for crispy frying. However, you can substitute other oils like canola or vegetable oil if preferred, just make sure they have a similarly high smoke point.
Can I prep parts of this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. You can also prepare the sriracha aioli and hot honey ahead. For best texture, fry the chicken right before serving and assemble the sandwiches just before eating.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The sandwich has a balanced heat level thanks to the cayenne in the coating, the hot honey drizzle, and the sriracha aioli. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne and adjust the hot honey amount to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is a game changer when it comes to comfort food with a spicy-sweet twist. It’s perfect for weekend gatherings, casual dinners, or whenever you need a reliably delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes for satisfying your cravings. Enjoy every crunchy, juicy, fiery, sweet bite!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 30m
- Cook Time: 25m
- Total Time: 1h 55m
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe features juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken breast pieces coated in a spicy seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese, crisp lettuce, crunchy dill pickles, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey, all nestled between soft brioche buns and spread with zesty sriracha aioli, these sandwiches deliver a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 4 chicken breast pieces, about 1.5 inches thick
- 3 cups buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
Flour Coating
- 1 ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For 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 pickles (pickle chips)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by pounding or slicing the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1.5 inches to ensure uniform cooking. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Make the Flour Coating & Fry the Chicken: In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each piece evenly in the seasoned flour mixture. Heat the peanut oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in the oil, cooking until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through—approximately 8-10 minutes per side depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Spread 1 tablespoon of sriracha aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Place a fried chicken piece on top, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of hot honey. Add a slice of pepper jack cheese so it slightly melts from the warmth of the chicken. Top with a large leaf of lettuce and a generous amount of crunchy dill pickle chips. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 1 hour, up to overnight, will enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust cayenne and hot honey amounts to moderate or increase spiciness to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for the crispiest chicken.
- Peanut oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, but vegetable or canola oil can be used as alternatives.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
