Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This crunchy, sticky Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich is made with buttermilk-soaked chicken thighs, spicy chili honey, and ready in 35 minutes. The sweet heat clings beautifully to the craggy fried crust right before it hits the toasted brioche bun. I always double the honey sauce because it goes so fast.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to order something similar from a local chicken shop every weekend. I learned that making it at home actually guarantees a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up better to the sauce.

My biggest mistake early on was using plain flour without cornstarch. Adding cornstarch to the dredge is the real trick to getting that shatteringly crisp texture that will not turn soggy.

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Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Breading

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups cornstarch
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Hot Honey

• 0.5 cups honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

For Serving

• 4 brioche buns
• 1 cup sliced dill pickles
• 0.5 cups mayonnaise
• Oil for frying

How To Make Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich

1. 1. Marinate the chicken: Whisk buttermilk, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then add chicken thighs and let sit for 15 minutes.
2. 2. Mix the breading: Whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne in a shallow dish until completely combined.
3. 3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each buttermilk-soaked thigh thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to build a craggy crust.
4. 4. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350F and fry chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden.
5. 5. Make the hot honey: Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat.
6. 6. Assemble the sandwiches: Drizzle the hot fried chicken with warm hot honey, then serve on toasted brioche buns with mayonnaise and pickles.

Recipe Tips

• Press the flour firmly: Forcing the dredge onto the wet chicken creates those highly desired craggy edges that trap the sauce.
• Check your oil temperature: Keep the oil steadily at 350F so the crust browns perfectly without burning the spices.
• Warm the honey: Heating the honey slightly makes it much easier to drizzle evenly over the fried chicken.

What To Serve With Hot Honey Crispy Chicken

This pairs exceptionally well with crispy french fries or a sharp cabbage slaw. A cold, crisp lager or sparkling lemonade helps balance the rich sweetness of the sticky honey.

How To Store

Keep leftover fried chicken and hot honey in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375F to restore the crunch before adding the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Pound them slightly flat so they cook evenly in the hot oil without drying out.

Can I bake this chicken?

Frying yields the best crunch, but you can bake them at 400F on a wire rack for 25 minutes. Spray them generously with oil first.

Is the hot honey very spicy?

It has a moderate kick that you can easily adjust. Reduce the hot sauce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 75g
• Protein: 28g

Try More Recipes:

• Gluten Free Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe