Name: Spicy Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 5-6 oz each; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tsp table salt; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup seasoned flour (from above mix); 1 ½ cups cold water; Vegetable or canola oil, for frying; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Louisiana hot sauce); 2 Tbsp melted butter; Optional: sliced jalapeños or other peppers for extra heat; 4 sesame buns or brioche buns; Butter, for buns; 4 slices cheese (e.g., pepper jack, American singles); 20 slices bread & butter pickles or other pickles; 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp sambal chili paste or other chili paste

Introduction

This spicy hot honey crispy chicken sandwich brings together juicy fried chicken coated in a flavorful batter, drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Served on a toasted buttered bun with cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce, and a zesty spicy mayo, it’s a perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and crunch for an unforgettable meal.

A close-up of a fried chicken sandwich with five clear layers: the top layer is a shiny, golden-brown sesame seed bun with a slightly glossy texture; beneath it is a layer of creamy, light-colored sauce with a smooth texture and visible specks, draping over bright green slices of fresh jalapeño peppers; next is the crispy fried chicken layer, showing a rough, crunchy dark golden-brown coating with some shiny spots from a sauce glaze; below the chicken is another thick layer of creamy sauce dripping down the sides, resting on a soft, slightly toasted golden-brown bun bottom with fresh green cilantro leaves peeking out; all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, 5-6 oz each

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground black pepper

2 tsp table salt

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 ½ cups cold water

Vegetable or canola oil for frying

½ cup honey

¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Louisiana hot sauce)

2 Tbsp melted butter

Optional: jalapeños or other peppers for added heat

4 sesame buns or brioche buns

Butter for buns

4 slices of cheese (e.g., pepper jack, American singles)

20 slices of bread & butter pickles or other pickles

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

1 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp sambal chili paste or other chili paste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the seasoned flour by combining the all-purpose flour, black pepper, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well.

Step 2: Make the chicken batter by whisking 1 cup of the seasoned flour with 1 ½ cups cold water until smooth.

Step 3: For the hot honey sauce, whisk together the honey and hot sauce. Slowly add the warm melted butter while whisking. Add sliced jalapeños if you want extra heat.

Step 4: Prepare the spicy mayo by mixing the mayonnaise with sambal chili paste until well combined.

Step 5: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pound each to about ¾ inch thickness. Dip each chicken breast into the batter to coat, then place on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 6: After chilling, dredge each battered chicken breast in the seasoned flour to coat thoroughly.

Step 7: Heat about 1 cup of oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Fry each chicken breast for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, working in batches if needed. Drain on paper towels.

Step 8: Butter the buns and toast them until lightly browned.

Step 9: Assemble each sandwich by layering on the bottom bun a slice of cheese, shredded lettuce, 4-5 pickle slices, and the fried chicken breast. Drizzle 2 Tbsp of hot honey sauce over the chicken, then spread spicy mayo on the top bun and place it on top.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crispy coating, consider adding a splash of vodka to the batter mixture.

Use brioche buns for a richer, buttery flavor.

Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños to the hot honey sauce.

For a lighter option, try cooking the chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Add sliced avocado or crispy bacon for additional texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of hot sauce and optional jalapeños used. You can easily adjust spice by adding more hot sauce or peppers, or reducing them for a milder sweet heat.