Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches: The Ultimate Recipe for a Spicy-Sweet Delight

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal experience. This recipe combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. Originating from Southern cuisine, the concept of adding honey to fried chicken has deep roots, symbolizing comfort and indulgence in many households.

What I love most about Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches is their incredible versatility; they can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack. The crunchy texture of the chicken paired with the sticky sweetness of the hot honey creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try these sandwiches, you’ll understand why they have become a beloved favorite among food enthusiasts everywhere!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 4 brioche buns
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Pickles for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Breading

1. While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the breading. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off, then dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a good crust.
3. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack or a plate and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better during frying.

Frying the Chicken

1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.
2. Carefully add the breaded chicken thighs to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
3. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Making the Hot Honey Sauce

1. While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir well to combine and heat gently until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
2. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Assembling the Sandwiches

1. Now it’s time to assemble our delicious hot honey chicken sandwiches! Start by toasting the brioche buns in a skillet or toaster until they are golden brown.
2. On the bottom half of each bun, place a piece of fried chicken. Top each piece with a slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the chicken.
3. Drizzle a generous amount of the hot honey sauce over the chicken and cheese. Don’t be shy; this is what makes the sandwich so special!
4. Add a handful of coleslaw on top of the hot honey chicken for a crunchy texture and a refreshing contrast to the spicy sweetness.
5. If you like, add pickles for an extra tangy crunch. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the hot honey chicken sandwiches

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal game. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a game day feast, these sandwiches are sure to impress your family and friends. For a fun twist, consider adding some crunchy pickles or a tangy slaw to your sandwich for an extra layer of texture and flavor. You could also swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative with your toppings and sides! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the delightful combination of flavors for yourself. Once you do, please share your thoughts and any variations you come up with! Your feedback means the world to me, and I love hearing how you make these Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches your own. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Print
   

   Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches: The Ultimate Recipe for a Spicy-Sweet Delight

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   • Author: lily
   • Total Time: 80 minutes
   • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

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   Print Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches with juicy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful spice blend, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and crunchy coleslaw, these sandwiches offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a satisfying meal!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
   • 1 cup buttermilk
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Vegetable oil for frying
   • 4 brioche buns
   • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
   • 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
   • 1/2 cup honey
   • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
   • Pickles for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   ### Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

   **Description:**
   Indulge in these crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches, featuring juicy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful spice blend, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and crunchy coleslaw, these sandwiches are a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

   —

   **Ingredients:**

   – **For the Chicken:**
   – 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
   – 1 cup buttermilk
   – 1 cup all-purpose flour
   – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   – 1 teaspoon onion powder
   – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
   – Salt and pepper to taste
   – Vegetable oil for frying

   – **For the Sandwiches:**
   – 4 brioche buns
   – 4 slices of cheddar cheese
   – 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
   – 1/2 cup honey
   – 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
   – Pickles for garnish (optional)

   —

   **Instructions:**

   **1. Preparing the Chicken:**
   – In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
   – Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

   **2. Preparing the Breading:**
   – In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
   – After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to create a good crust.
   – Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack or plate and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help the breading adhere.

   **3. Frying the Chicken:**
   – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
   – Carefully add the breaded chicken thighs to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
   – Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

   **4. Making the Hot Honey Sauce:**
   – In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir well and heat gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Adjust hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

   **5. Assembling the Sandwiches:**
   – Toast the brioche buns until golden brown.
   – On the bottom half of each bun, place a piece of fried chicken. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
   – Drizzle a generous amount of hot honey sauce over the chicken and cheese.
   – Add a handful of coleslaw for crunch and a refreshing contrast.
   – If desired, add pickles for extra tang. Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.

   —

   **Notes:**
   – Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
   – For homemade coleslaw, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and your favorite dressing.

   **Prep Time:** 1 hour (plus marinating time)
   **Cook Time:** 20 minutes
   **Total Time:** 1 hour 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
   **Yield:** 4 sandwiches

   Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches!

   Notes

   • Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
   • For a homemade coleslaw, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and your favorite dressing.

   • Prep Time: 60 minutes
   • Cook Time: 20 minutes