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Best Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

crispy hot honey chicken sandwich - featured image

This crispy hot honey chicken sandwich features shatteringly crunchy fried chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy homemade hot honey glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Shredded lettuce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brine the chicken: Place chicken thighs in a bowl, cover with buttermilk, add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Prepare the dry coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Set up dredging station: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in flour mixture, pressing firmly. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a cast-iron skillet or heavy pot. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the chicken: Carefully lower chicken into hot oil using tongs. Fry in batches for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack.
  6. Make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Glaze the chicken: Using a pastry brush, generously brush hot honey glaze over both sides of each fried chicken piece while still warm.
  8. Toast the buns: Split brioche buns and toast in a dry skillet or on a griddle until golden brown.
  9. Assemble the sandwiches: Place shredded lettuce on bottom bun, add pickle slices, place glazed chicken on top, and add top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Temperature control is crucial: keep oil at 350°F. Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help breading adhere. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep chicken crispy. Double glaze for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy hot honey chicken sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, hot honey chicken, chicken sandwich recipe, homemade chicken sandwich