Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

The Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed delight that combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch. This mouthwatering sandwich features tender chicken breasts that are marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then battered and fried to a crispy golden perfection. The pièce de résistance is the hot honey sauce, which brings a sweet heat that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party sandwich, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The crispy breading gives way to a juicy chicken breast, and the hot honey sauce adds a spicy-sweet glaze that makes each bite more addictive than the last. With the addition of your favorite sandwich bun and some fresh toppings, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and crispy, making them a true crowd-pleaser. The chicken is marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, ensuring that it’s flavorful and juicy. The crispy, golden-brown coating is made from a delicious blend of flour, panko bread crumbs, and a variety of seasonings, giving it an irresistible crunch with every bite. The hot honey sauce ties everything together, adding a mouthwatering balance of heat from the hot sauce and sweetness from the honey. It’s a satisfying and comforting sandwich with just the right amount of kick. Whether you prefer it with a soft brioche bun or toasted rolls, this sandwich will become your new go-to for a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot preferred)
• Large eggs (beaten)
• Flour
• Panko bread crumbs
• Slap Yo Momma seasoning
• Seasoning salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Baking powder
• Pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Butter
• Slap Yo Momma seasoning

Variations

There are several ways you can adjust this recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences:

• Spicy Heat Level: If you want more heat, add extra hot sauce to the chicken marinade or the hot honey sauce. You can also add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to boost the spice.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives to make this sandwich gluten-free.
• Breading Option: You can make a lighter version by using crushed cornflakes or a mixture of almond flour and breadcrumbs for a different texture.
• Non-Spicy Version: For those who prefer a less spicy sandwich, omit the hot sauce from the marinade and the hot honey sauce and use sweet barbecue sauce instead.

How to Make the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts and make sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to marinate.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, panko bread crumbs, Slap Yo Momma seasoning, seasoning salt, paprika, garlic powder, baking powder, and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off.
2. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then dredge in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks well. Repeat with all chicken breasts.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil, frying for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
3. Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, lemon juice, honey, butter, and Slap Yo Momma seasoning.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and the butter is fully melted. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast the sandwich buns lightly, if desired.
2. Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun, then drizzle with the hot honey sauce.
3. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

• Double Breading: For extra crunch, you can double bread the chicken by dipping it back into the egg wash and breadcrumbs after the first coating.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) to ensure the chicken fries evenly and doesn’t become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
• Resting After Frying: Let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate after frying to ensure it stays crispy.

How to Serve

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With Fries: Serve your sandwich with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo.
• With Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the spicy sweetness of the sandwich.
• Pickles: Add some sliced pickles to the sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve with a side salad, like a simple green salad or a tangy cucumber salad, to balance the richness of the sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The breading may lose its crispiness after storing, but you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore some of its crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the fried chicken breasts to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat by baking from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy and heated through.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, use the oven to keep the chicken crispy. Place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option.

2. What if I don’t have Frank’s Red Hot sauce?

You can use any hot sauce you like, but Frank’s Red Hot is the classic choice for this recipe.

3. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the hot honey sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before using.

4. Can I make this sandwich spicier?

Yes, you can add more hot sauce to the marinade or hot honey sauce to increase the heat. You can also add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, but frying gives it the best crunch.

6. What can I serve this sandwich with?

It pairs well with fries, coleslaw, pickles, or a simple side salad.

7. Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey sauce?

You can use regular honey if you prefer a sweeter sandwich, but the hot honey sauce adds a signature spicy-sweet flavor.

8. How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

Allow the chicken to rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil. If reheating, use the oven to maintain its crispiness.

9. Can I make this sandwich in advance?

While the chicken can be fried ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the breading crispy.

10. How do I know when the chicken is done frying?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a tantalizing mix of heat, crunch, and sweetness that will leave everyone craving more. The fried chicken breast is perfectly seasoned and coated, while the hot honey sauce adds an irresistible spicy-sweet glaze. This sandwich is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bound to become a family favorite.

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