Welcome to our recipe blog! Today, we’re excited to share a simple yet delightful Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich recipe. This hot honey chicken sandwich is the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, and fresh toppings. Follow these simple steps to make a hot honey chicken sandwich at home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Canola oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
For Assembling the Sandwiches:
- 4 brioche buns
- Butter, softened
- Mayonnaise
- Iceberg lettuce, shredded
- Sliced pickles
Instructions
Marinade the Chicken
- Mix the buttermilk,1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.
Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat. Heat until hot and small bubbles begin to form.
- Remove from heat and stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and butter. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Set aside.
Bread and Fry the Chicken
- About 30 minutes before frying, heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick coating.
- Fry the chicken thighs in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain extra oil.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Butter the brioche buns and toast under a broiler until golden brown.
- Spread mayonnaise on the top and bottom buns.
- Place a fried chicken thigh on the bottom bun, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and top with shredded lettuce and pickles.
- Close the sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Extra Crispy Coating: Double dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour for an extra crunchy exterior.
- Frying Tips: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Toppings: Add crispy bacon or coleslaw for additional flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if the oil is hot enough without a thermometer?
- If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit of flour into the oil. If it bubbles and sizzles quickly, the oil is hot enough to fry the chicken.
2. Is this hot honey chicken sandwich very spicy?
- This sandwich has a good bit of heat, but it’s not overwhelming for most people. The sauce tastes quite hot on its own but is milder when combined with the sandwich ingredients.
3. Should I strain out the red pepper flakes from the hot honey sauce?
- Straining the pepper flakes can make the sauce too mild. If you plan to save the sauce for several days, you may want to strain them out; otherwise, leave them in for more flavor.
4. Can I use a different type of chicken?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust the frying time to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
5. What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?
- Canola oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil are all good options for frying the chicken due to their high smoke points.
Enjoy your homemade hot honey chicken sandwich, and don’t forget to share on social media!
