Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich

Get ready to have your taste buds delighted by the incredible Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich! This sandwich is all about that perfect balance of sweet and spicy that’ll have you drooling for more. Picture this: crispy fried chicken that’s golden and crunchy, topped with a generous drizzle of hot honey sauce that adds a kick of flavor.

It has become one of our favorite ways to enjoy chicken, along with our air fryer fried chicken and air fryer chicken tenders.

this recipe!

Nashville-Style Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

I love a delicious, simple sandwich and this one does not disappoint. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and you could prep the hot honey butter and slaw ahead of time. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

Serve this yummy burger up with a side of our air fryer french fries!

This spicy chicken sandwich pairs perfect with my mac and cheese or you could have cheesy hashbrown potatoes casserole for a heartier side dish. These cheesy twice baked potatoes would be another great choice.

Why you’ll love this hot honey fried chicken sandwich

• the crispy coating is super crunchy and SO satisfying!
• the tangy pickles nd creamy slaw procide the perfect balanace of flavors and textures in this sandwich.
• it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a summer barbecue, easy weeknight dinner or special occasion like Father’s Day!

Ingredients for hot honey chicken sandwich

• Honey: The sweetness in the honey compliments the spiciness of the hot sauce, giving it a complex flavor. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey. 
• Hotsauce: I used the original Louisiana brand hot sauce, but you can use your favorite hot sauce to add a spicy kick to your chicken. Add more hot sauce if you like spicier food.
• Butter: Don’t hesitate to use vegan butter if that is what you like.
• Chicken thighs: I used boneless chicken thighs for this recipe as they are tender and juicy. Chicken breasts can also be used instead, but you will have to marinate them in a buttermilk brine with pickle juice to tenderize it.
• Flour: Rice flour, or gluten-free flour can be used instead.
• Corn starch: This gives the chicken a crispy coating. You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have access to cornstarch.
• Smoked paprika: You can use regular paprika if you don’t like the smoky flavor of smoked paprika.
• Eggs: They act as a binder.
• Garlic and onion powder: This gives the chicken a garlic and onion flavor to it.
• Salt & pepper: Feel free to add this to taste.
• Pickles: You can use jalapenos or your favorite hot peppers instead.
• Slaw: This can be substituted with lettuce.
• Mayo: Mayo makes the coleslaw creamy and acts as a binder.
• White vinegar: You can use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar instead of regular white vinegar.
• Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
• Salt: I used Kosher salt for this recipe.
• Vegetable oil: Feel free to use olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil for this recipe. The best oil for frying is oil that has a high smoking point.
• Bun: I used a soft brioche bun for this recipe but you can use potato buns or your favorite type of premium bun or soft buns.

How to make Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

You can find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this page. Below, you will find step-by-step photos along with tips and instructions to help you along with the recipe and ensure that you love it!

STEP 1 – MAKE THE HONEY BUTTER

Heat honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined. Adjust the heat to taste and set the honey butter aside.

STEP 2 – In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use a whisk but you can use a fork.

STEP 3 – In a medium bowl whisk 2 eggs.

STEP 4 – Dip the room-temperature boneless chicken thighs into the egg mixture and then coat them in the flour mixture.

STEP 5 – Heat your vegetable oil in a deep-frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil temperature reaches 350°F it’s time to fry your dredged chicken.

STEP 6 – Fry the chicken pieces in batches. Turn them occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. This will take about 6-8 minutes. I like to check the internal temperature of chicken using an instant-read meat thermometer.

STEP 7 – Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. Let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it but the texture will not be as crispy as fried chicken.

STEP 8 – In a large bowl, mix cabbage or coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until they are thoroughly combined. Taste the mix and adjust to taste.

STEP 9 – Toast the soft brioche buns in a skillet or pan until they turn golden brown.

STEP 10 – Now it’s time to assemble the sandwich. First, spread a drizzle of hot honey sauce on one side of the bun and then on the other side of the bun. Add the pickles and fried chicken thighs to the bottom half of the bun and top it with pickles, and slaw.

STEP 11 – Serve your hot chicken sandwich immediately and enjoy!

Is it okay to add cheese to this sandwich?

Yes, you can add cheese to hot honey chicken sandwiches. I sometimes use pepper jack cheese but you can use your favorite cheese.

What is the best way to store leftover chicken

Place leftover chicken in an airtight container or ziplock bag and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Check out these for dessert!

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