Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Golden brown crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce on brioche buns - if that sounds good you've come to the right place. This hot honey chicken sandwich recipe is nothing short of perfection! You may not be able to get the Wendy's hot honey chicken sandwich anymore, but you can make an even better version right in your kitchen!

For more yummy sandwich recipes, try my Chicken Caprese Sandwich and California Club Sandwich!

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Picture a succulent chicken breast, coated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then fried to perfection with delectable crunch. As you take your first bite, there's an explosion of savory and sweet flavors that dance on your palate.

But the magic doesn't stop there! The pièce de résistance is the hot honey glaze, a tantalizing blend of sweet honey infused with a hint of spicy heat. This glaze coats every inch of the chicken, layer of flavor that elevates the sandwich to new heights.

To complete this culinary masterpiece, the chicken is topped with my favorite bread and butter pickles, a little shredded lettuce, and a garlic mayo that is simply the best!

Whether enjoyed as a satisfying lunch, a delightful dinner, or a show-stopping party centerpiece, the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a delicious fusion of textures and flavors that will leave you begging for seconds!

Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that combines the best of savory, sweet, crispy, and spicy in every mouthwatering bite.

Key Ingredients

(exact measurements in the recipe card)

• ​Chicken: use boneless skinless chicken OR boneless skinless chicken thighs. 
• Brioche Buns: my favorite bun for a crispy chicken sandwich is always a soft brioche bun. However, you can use whatever kind of bread that you like, whether that be slices of bread or hamburger buns. Just be sure to use a sturdy bread as this sandwich is really saucy and you'll want a bread that can sop up all of those juices!
• Neutral oil: I used vegetable oil, but you can also use canola oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, etc.
• Toppings: I used bread and butter pickles and shredded lettuce. You can also add pepper jack cheese, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes - whatever you like!

Hot honey sauce

• Honey 
• Salted Butter
• Hot Sauce  
• Seasonings: Red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper

Garlic Mayo Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh rosemary
• Dijon or grain mustard
• Garlic
• Lemon juice 

Dredge 

• All Purpose flour 
• Seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and kosher salt

Buttermilk Marinade

• Buttermilk
• ​Egg
• Pickle Juice
• Hot Sauce

Expert Tips

Here are some tips to help you make a delicious fried chicken sandwich:

• Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for the sandwich. They are easier to handle, cook more evenly, and provide juicy and flavorful results.
• Brine the chicken: Brining the chicken before frying helps to enhance its juiciness and flavor. Prepare a buttermilk brine then submerge the chicken in the brine for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.
• In a rush? You can use Mike's hot honey as opposed to making your own hot honey sauce.
• Season generously: Season all aspects of this dish - the flour, the buttermilk brine, the chicken itself, and the sauces. Don't skimp!
• Fry to perfection: the temperature of your oil can make or breaks your sandwich! Heat oil in a deep skillet or deep fryer to around 325-350°F (you can use a candy thermometer to keep an eye on the temp of the oil). Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the oil but not overcrowded, as it can affect the frying temperature and result in uneven cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Drain excess oil: After frying, place the cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off any excess oil and maintain its crispiness.
• Enjoy while warm: Fried chicken sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them immediately after assembling to savor the crispy exterior and juicy interior at their best.

How to make a Fried Chicken Sandwich

Brine the Chicken

• Prep the buttermilk brine and marinate the chicken - combine buttermilk, egg, pickle juice, and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add chicken and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. This not only ensures a flavorful tender chicken but also a nice crispy coating while deep frying. (Image #1)

Make the Sauces 

• While the chicken is brining, make the sauces. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.  (Image #2)
• Then make the garlic mayo - in a separate medium bowl, combine minced garlic, mayo, mustard, rosemary, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Set aside. (Image #3)

Dredge and Fry 

• Once the chicken is finished brining, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Add oil to a deep skillet or large pot and preheat the oil to 325 degrees F. 
• Prepare the dredge by mixing together flour, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Remove chicken from the brine and dip into the flour mixture, firmly pressing the flour into the chicken, ensuring the entire filet is coated. Place dredged chicken on a wire rack and let the chicken rest until the oil comes to temperature. (Image #4)

• Place the 1-2 pieces of chicken in the oil and cook for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Place on a paper towel or cooling rack for the oil to drain.
• Place fried chicken in the hot honey and ensure all sides are coated. Remove and allow excess sauce to drip off.

Assemble

• Lightly toast the buns, preferably in a pan with a little bit of butter for about 1 minute on each side.
• Spread a single layer of the garlic mayo on the bottom bun. Then place the chicken on top, followed by the shredded lettuce, pickles, and then add the top bun on top. (Pro tip: if you love a saucy spicy chicken sandwich, add a little bit of garlic mayo on the top bun too!)

Variations

Get creative by adding your favorite toppings to this hot chicken sandwich!

Get cheesy: add a slice of your favorite cheese on top of the fried chicken for added flavor! I like to add pepper jack, colby jack, or gruyere cheese.

Bacon!: bacon makes everything better right? Add a few pieces of bacon to your fried chicken sandwich for an extra crunch and nice smoky flavor.

Up the heat!: add more hot sauce and cayenne pepper for added spice to that homemade spicy honey sauce if you like a super spicy sandwich!

Go bunless: you can just enjoy the hot honey chicken as is. It's SO good even without making it into a sandwich.

What goes good with fried chicken sandwiches?

This fried chicken sandwich is loaded with flavor so it goes well with simple sides like coleslaw or a side salad, potato chips, or french fries! You can also get decadent and serve with southern baked mac and cheese, collard greens, and potato salad. 

For a cold beverage, you'll want to serve with something bubbly or fruity like an ice cold bahama mama or my all time favorite - mango mojitos! I recently saw an article that said that champagne and fried chicken are a match made in heaven. If you're feeling fancy, give it a go and let me know what you think!

Storing Leftovers and Reheating

Storage: If you have leftover fried chicken sandwiches, it's best to disassemble them for storage. Separate the components, such as the fried chicken, bun, and any toppings or sauces. This helps prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. Place the fried chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Store the bun and other components separately in their respective containers or resealable bags. Refrigerate them all within two hours of cooking.

Reheating the chicken: When you're ready to enjoy the leftover fried chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the fried chicken pieces on it. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the crust becomes crispy again.

Reheating the bun: To reheat the bun, you can lightly toast it in a toaster, toaster oven, or under the broiler for a few minutes. This will help restore its texture and warmth.

Note: It's essential to exercise caution when reheating fried chicken to avoid overcooking or drying it out. Reheating times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces, so adjust accordingly. Remember, reheated fried chicken sandwiches may not be as crispy as when they were freshly made, but this method will help retain their flavors and make them enjoyable for another meal.

Recipe FAQs

More Chicken Recipes

• Buttermilk Fried Chicken
• Smoked Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
• Hot Honey Chicken Thighs