If you like your fried chicken with a bold, crave-worthy twist, these Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches are about to become your new obsession! Imagine ultra-crispy chicken nestled in a soft brioche bun, topped with melty pepper jack, sassy sriracha aioli, crunchy pickles, and a generous drizzle of spicy hot honey—it’s the sweet-heat sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Juicy Chicken: Soaked in tangy buttermilk and perfectly seasoned for deep-down flavor in every bite.
- Epic Sweet Heat: The irresistible combination of spicy hot honey and creamy sriracha aioli takes this fried chicken sandwich to legendary status.
- Dreamy Textures: Each sandwich layers crunchy pickle chips, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and that signature crispy chicken coating.
- Easy to Customize: Swap cheeses, add extra toppings, or make it as mild or spicy as you like—this recipe is all about making it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches is that every ingredient pulls its weight, delivering bold flavor and a perfect mix of textures. Grab these essentials and get ready for sweet and spicy sandwich bliss!
- Chicken breasts (about 1.5 inches thick): Pound or slice your chicken for even cooking and maximum juiciness in every crunchy bite.
- Buttermilk: Softens the chicken and brings that classic Southern tang while helping all the flavors seep in.
- Salt & Pepper: These basics bring out the best in every layer—don’t skimp!
- Hot sauce: Adds depth and a subtle background warmth to your marinade.
- All-purpose flour: Your secret weapon for that signature golden crust.
- Paprika & Cayenne: The dynamic duo that gives both vibrant color and an unmistakable, lip-tingling heat.
- Peanut oil (or another neutral frying oil): Ensures a crispy, non-greasy result—plus peanut oil adds a lovely flavor!
- Brioche buns: Dreamily soft and slightly sweet for the perfect sandwich base.
- Sriracha aioli (or mayo): Creamy, spicy, and absolutely essential for a saucy bite.
- Hot honey: The magic drizzle that hits you with sticky-sweet heat. Make your own or use your favorite brand.
- Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a bonus hint of heat.
- Lettuce leaves: A juicy, crunchy layer that balances all that richness.
- Dill pickle chips (crunchy dillies): Tang and crunch that cuts the richness and keeps every bite lively.
Variations
One of the best things about Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches is how ridiculously easy it is to change up the toppings, heat level, or even the type of chicken to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about swapping, subbing, or adding your own spin!
- Spicy Slaw Swap: Replace the lettuce with a crunchy, tangy slaw for even more texture and a cooling contrast to the fiery honey.
- Cheese Change-Up: Try sharp cheddar, provolone, or Swiss for a different flavor profile, or add extra cheese for meltier goodness.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in the coating and swap regular buns for your favorite GF option.
- Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter version, oven-bake the coated chicken at 425°F on a wire rack until golden and crisp.
- Vegetarian Twist: Sub battered and fried cauliflower steaks or tofu for the chicken—just as crispy and satisfying!
How to Make Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, start by pounding them to about ¾–1 inch thick or carefully slicing them in half horizontally. This not only guarantees even cooking but also helps the crust-to-meat ratio shine. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, and a generous splash of hot sauce. Add the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight means even more flavor!).
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before frying—room temperature chicken cooks more evenly! In a large ziplock bag, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Toss the chicken in the flour bag, seal it up, and give everything a solid shake to coat thoroughly. This is the stage where that future crispiness is built!
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Pour the peanut oil into a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high until it reaches 325°F. Add chicken pieces in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan to preserve that vital oil heat. Cover and fry for 5–10 minutes, then uncover, flip, and continue frying until golden and cooked through (about 10 minutes more). Drain on a rack and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast your brioche buns if you want extra texture. Slather both sides with sriracha aioli. Place the crispy fried chicken on the bottom, drizzle generously with hot honey, then top with a slice of pepper jack cheese (so it gets a little melty), add lettuce, and tuck in a generous pile of crunchy dill pickle chips. These Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches are ready to serve the moment they’re built—so dig in while that chicken is extra hot and the honey is gooey!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches
- Marinate for Major Flavor: Letting your chicken soak overnight in buttermilk and spices ensures next-level juiciness and taste throughout.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep your frying oil right around 325°F, so your chicken turns golden and crisp without greasy spots.
- DIY Hot Honey Hack: No hot honey? Simmer honey with red pepper flakes and a splash of apple cider vinegar—it’s quick, easy, and can be tweaked for extra heat.
- Build While Hot: Assemble the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches as soon as the chicken comes out of the oil—the heat helps the cheese melt and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Garnishes
Let your Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches shine with a flurry of extra pickle chips, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for color, or even a little extra drizzle of hot honey over the top before serving. A thin slaw or handful of microgreens also adds color and crunch, making each bite picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
Crispy potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or classic coleslaw are all perfect partners for these sandwiches. For something cool and refreshing, try a side of watermelon, fresh cucumber salad, or a simple corn on the cob—each one balances that irresistible heat and honey sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich wrapped in parchment paper for a casual, diner-style vibe, or slice them in halves (or even quarters) for a funky party platter. Mini slider versions, using small rolls and mini chicken cutlets, are a huge hit for gatherings and game days!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra fried chicken, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns, sauces, and toppings separate for best results when reassembling.
Freezing
The chicken cutlets freeze beautifully! After cooling, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling fresh sandwiches.
Reheating
For best crunch, reheat chicken on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes, until piping hot and crisp outside. Avoid microwaving if you can—it softens that lovely crust! Reassemble sandwiches just before serving with fresh buns and toppings.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for these Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful—just make sure to use boneless, skinless thighs and adjust frying time as they may cook a little faster than breasts. The results are just as satisfying and often even more tender.
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What is the best way to make homemade hot honey?
Making hot honey at home is super easy: simply combine 1 cup of honey with 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan, warm over low heat for a few minutes, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, stir, and cool. Adjust the pepper flakes for a spicier (or milder) drizzle.
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Do I have to use brioche buns, or can I use another type of bread?
Brioche gives a lovely, slightly sweet touch and pillowy texture, but you can absolutely use potato rolls, pretzel buns, or even a hearty sourdough. Just look for buns sturdy enough to hold all those delicious layers!
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Are Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches very spicy?
They have a nice kick from the cayenne, pepper jack, and hot honey, but you’re totally in charge of the heat. Use less cayenne, opt for milder cheese, or make your own hot honey with fewer pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sandwich.
Final Thoughts
Craving something a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and totally irresistible? Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches are the answer! Invite your friends, hand out extra napkins, and get ready for a sandwich night that’s guaranteed to wow. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this show-stopper at home—so go on, give it a try and savor every bite!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken topped with spicy sriracha aioli, sweet hot honey, and tangy pickles, all sandwiched between a soft brioche bun. Perfect for a weekend indulgence or a special weeknight treat!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breast pieces, about 1.5 inches thick
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 3–4 cups peanut oil
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 tablespoon sriracha aioli (sriracha mayo)
- 4 tablespoon hot honey
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 large lettuce leafs
- 1 cup crunchy dillies (pickle chips)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound or slice chicken for even thickness. Marinate in buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Coat Chicken: Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Coat chicken in flour mixture.
- Fry Chicken: Fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread sriracha aioli on buns. Add chicken, hot honey, cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Serve.
Notes
- Allow chicken to sit at room temperature before frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.
- Use a low-smoke oil like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil.
- Thinly slice or pound chicken for easier frying.
- Marinate chicken overnight for meal prep.
- If using homemade hot honey, simmer honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
