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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

The Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a mouthwatering combination of crispy fried chicken, a spicy and sweet hot honey glaze, and soft sandwich buns. This sandwich perfectly balances bold flavors and crunchy textures, making it a crowd-pleaser ideal for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a versatile recipe that satisfies comfort food cravings while offering an adventurous flavor twist.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • Chicken thighs or breasts (juicy and tender, about 4 pieces)
  • Buttermilk (for marinating, about 1 cup)

Coating

  • All-purpose flour (3/4 cup)
  • Cornstarch (1/4 cup)
  • Paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

Hot Honey Glaze

  • Hot honey (store-bought or homemade, about 1/4 cup)

Sandwich Assembly

  • Soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls, 4 buns)
  • Optional toppings: pickles, slaw (vinegar or creamy coleslaw), spicy mayo

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk infused with your chosen spices for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight. This step tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor while helping the coating adhere better.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the crispy crust mixture.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure full, even coverage.
  4. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces for 6 to 8 minutes each (depending on size) until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
  5. Drizzle with Hot Honey: While the chicken is still hot, generously drizzle hot honey over each piece to create a sweet and spicy glaze that seeps into the crunchy crust.
  6. Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the sandwich buns lightly with butter to add flavor and prevent sogginess. Place the hot honey chicken on the bottom bun, add optional toppings like pickles, slaw, or spicy mayo, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crispy.
  • Maintain a consistent oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or unevenly cooked chicken.
  • Add cornstarch to the flour mixture for an extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy longer.
  • Make your own hot honey by warming honey with chili flakes for a fresh, spicy kick adjustable to your taste.
  • Toast the buns with butter to add flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy from the sauces or glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken sandwich, hot honey chicken, spicy honey chicken, fried chicken sandwich, comfort food, spicy sandwich