WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Craving something crispy and sweet? The Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is your answer! This meal combines juicy fried chicken with a delightful kick of spicy sweetness. I’ll guide you through each step to create this mouthwatering sandwich, from marinating the chicken to whipping up the hot honey sauce. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with this easy-to-make delight! Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: This sandwich perfectly blends sweet and spicy, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Crispy Texture: Fried to golden perfection, the chicken offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the brioche bun.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level of the hot honey or add your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious sandwich in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
The chicken breasts bring protein and flavor. Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy. The flour helps create a crispy crust. Spices like garlic, onion, and paprika add depth. Cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning.
Toppings and Buns
– 4 brioche hamburger buns
– Fresh lettuce leaves
– Sliced pickles
– Sliced tomatoes
– Fried onion straws (optional, for topping)
Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet. They hold the sandwich together well. Fresh lettuce adds crunch and freshness. Sliced tomatoes give a juicy bite. Pickles add tangy flavor. If you want extra crunch, add fried onion straws.
Hot Honey Sauce
– 4 tablespoons hot honey (or a mixture of honey and chili flakes)
Hot honey is sweet with a spicy twist. You can buy it or make your own. Mix honey with chili flakes for a simple version. Drizzle it over the chicken for a delicious finish. This sauce ties all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating helps make the chicken juicy and tender. I recommend marinating the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes. However, if you want the best results, try to marinate for up to 4 hours. This allows the buttermilk to do its magic, breaking down proteins for a better texture.
Preparing the Breading
The right mix of seasonings makes your chicken pop with flavor. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with:
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Mix these ingredients well. This blend gives the chicken a savory kick, while the cayenne adds just the right amount of heat.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, let’s fry the chicken to perfection! Start by heating about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check when the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for crispy chicken.
Take the breaded chicken breasts and carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps soak up any extra oil, keeping your chicken crispy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Fried Chicken
To make your fried chicken crispy and juicy, start with buttermilk. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours helps tenderize it. This step locks in moisture, giving you a juicy bite.
Next, focus on your coating. Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This blend adds flavor and crunch. When you coat the chicken, make sure it’s fully covered. Shake off the excess flour; you want a thin, even layer.
Fry your chicken at the right temperature. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken. This ensures a crispy crust while keeping the meat juicy. Cook each piece for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Always check the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
Assembling the Perfect Sandwich
Layering is key to a balanced hot honey chicken sandwich. Start with a fresh brioche bun. Add crisp lettuce to create a fresh base. Place the hot honey chicken on top, letting the sweetness seep into the veggies.
Next, add sliced tomatoes for juiciness and pickles for a tangy crunch. If you like some extra texture, sprinkle fried onion straws on top. Finish with the top bun, pressing down gently. This keeps everything secure and ready to eat.
Presentation Ideas
A beautiful sandwich deserves a great presentation. Arrange your sandwiches on a rustic wooden board. This adds a warm and inviting feel. Drizzle extra hot honey over the top for a sweet touch.
For color, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This not only looks good but also adds a burst of freshness. You can slice the sandwiches in half for easy serving. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Pro Tips
- Marination Matters: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a longer period enhances tenderness and flavor, ideally up to 4 hours.
- Temperature Check: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before frying to achieve a crispy coating without absorbing excess oil.
- Layering Flavors: For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding spices to the hot honey or mixing in some fresh herbs.
- Crunch Factor: Adding fried onion straws enhances texture and introduces an extra layer of flavor that complements the sandwich beautifully.
Variations
Spicy Options
You can make your hot honey chicken sandwich spicier. Try different hot sauces or peppers. Use a smoky chipotle sauce for a deep flavor. If you love heat, add fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can mix hot honey with extra chili flakes for more heat. This gives each bite a kick that many enjoy.
Alternative Proteins
Not everyone eats chicken, and that’s okay! You can use turkey for a leaner option. For a plant-based choice, try tofu or portobello mushrooms. Marinate the tofu like chicken to soak in flavor. Cook them until crispy to match the sandwich’s crunch. These alternatives make the sandwich tasty for everyone.
Diet-Friendly Modifications
If you follow a special diet, you can still enjoy this sandwich. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour for breading. Choose gluten-free buns to keep the meal safe. For low-carb diets, skip the bun and wrap the chicken in lettuce. This keeps the flavor while fitting your diet. Enjoy the hot honey chicken sandwich in a way that suits you!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your hot honey chicken sandwich fresh, follow these tips:
– Separate the chicken from the buns and toppings. This keeps everything crisp.
– Place the chicken in an airtight container. Use wax paper to separate layers.
– Store the buns in a zip-top bag. Press out as much air as you can.
– Keep toppings like lettuce and tomatoes in a separate container.
Reheating Suggestions
For reheating, you want to keep that crunch and flavor. Here’s how:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
– For the buns, wrap them in foil to warm without getting soggy.
– You can also use an air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing Tips
Can you freeze assembled sandwiches? I don’t recommend freezing them whole. Here’s why:
– The bread can become soggy after thawing.
– Instead, freeze the chicken alone. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
– You can also freeze the buns separately. Use a zip-top bag for that.
– When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat as stated above.
With these tips, you can enjoy your hot honey chicken sandwich even later!
FAQs
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is a sweet and spicy blend of honey and chili. You can buy it or make it easily at home. To make hot honey, mix honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. This mix adds a kick to your food, making it perfect for drizzling on chicken sandwiches. The sweetness of honey balances the heat, creating a tasty flavor. Use it on biscuits, pizza, or even fried chicken for a twist.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can make parts of the sandwich ahead. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk the night before. This helps to keep it juicy. You can also bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Fry the chicken just before serving for the best crispiness. Assemble the sandwich right before you eat. This way, the buns stay soft and the chicken stays crunchy.
What sides pair well with the hot honey chicken sandwich?
Here are some great sides to enjoy with your sandwich:
– Coleslaw: It adds crunch and coolness.
– Sweet potato fries: Their sweetness matches the hot honey.
– Pickle spears: They add a tangy bite.
– Potato salad: A classic side that is creamy and filling.
– Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy, it complements the flavors.
These sides will make your meal even better!
This guide covered everything you need for a hot honey chicken sandwich. I discussed the key ingredients, from juicy chicken to flavorful toppings. You learned how to marinate, bread, and fry chicken to crispy perfection. I also shared tips for assembly and presentation. Plus, I explored variations for spice lovers and those with diet needs. Remember, store your leftovers properly to enjoy later. Whether you make this sandwich now or later, I hope it brings you joy and flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
A delicious sandwich featuring crispy fried chicken breasts drizzled with hot honey, served on brioche buns with fresh toppings.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons hot honey
- 4 pieces brioche hamburger buns
- as needed Fresh lettuce leaves
- as needed Sliced pickles
- as needed Sliced tomatoes
- as needed Fried onion straws (optional, for topping)
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best tenderness.
Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
Bread the Chicken: Carefully take each chicken breast out of the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge the breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Shake off any surplus flour and place the breaded chicken on a plate.
Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check when the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Once at temperature, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the oil. Fry them for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and register an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the extra oil.
Assemble the Sandwich: Drizzle a generous layer of hot honey over each fried chicken breast while they are still warm. On the bottom half of each brioche bun, layer fresh lettuce, followed by the hot honey chicken, sliced tomatoes, and pickles. If desired, top with crispy fried onion straws for an extra crunch.
Top and Serve: Place the top half of each brioche bun over the assembled ingredients and press down gently. For a more inviting presentation, you can slice the sandwiches in half before serving. Enjoy immediately while they're warm and crispy.
Arrange the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board and drizzle with additional hot honey for a stunning visual. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add brightness and a touch of color.
Keyword chicken sandwich, fried chicken, hot honey
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
