Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Name: Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1485 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts boneless (skinless); 2 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons hot sauce Frank’s Red Hot preferred; 2 large eggs beaten; 1 cup flour; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon Slap Yo Momma seasoning; 1/2 tablespoon seasoning salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; vegetable oil for frying; Hot Honey Sauce:; ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce; ¼ cup Lemon Juice; ¼ cup Honey; 2 tablespoons Butter; 1 teaspoon Slap Yo Momma seasoning

KrystelJune 7, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Sizzling Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: a Culinary Delight

Welcome to the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich Experience

Hey there! If you're anything like me, always on the hunt for that next-level sandwich experience, then boy, do I have a treat for you. Let's dive into the world of the hot honey chicken sandwich – a game-changer in the sandwich scene if there ever was one. This isn't just your run-of-the-mill chicken sandwich; oh no, it's a culinary delight that masterfully combines the sweet, the spicy, and the downright savory into one irresistible package. Imagine crispy, succulent pieces of chicken, bathed in a rich, hot honey sauce, all nestled between soft, pillowy brioche buns. The flavors are complex, yet perfectly balanced, ensuring each bite takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Key Takeaways:

The hot honey chicken sandwich elevates the traditional chicken sandwich with its unique flavor combination.
Quality ingredients such as crispy chicken, hot honey sauce, and brioche buns are essential for the best taste.
This sandwich is a culinary delight, blending sweet, spicy, and savory elements.

Ingredients List

Chicken breasts or thighs: Fresh, boneless pieces ideal for that tender bite.
Buttermilk: Key to tenderizing the chicken and adding a tangy depth.
Hot sauce: Choose your favorite, like Frank’s Red Hot, to marinate and spice it up.
Flour mixture: A blend of flour, seasoning salt, pepper, and paprika for the perfect crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunch.
Eggs: Beaten, to help the breading adhere to the chicken.
Vegetable or Canola oil: For frying to golden perfection.
Hot honey sauce: A spicy-sweet combination of honey, hot sauce, and a touch of lemon juice.
Brioche buns: Soft and slightly sweet, the perfect vessel.
Optional: Pepper jack cheese, chili powder, or Mike’s Hot Honey for extra customization.

Prepping Your Chicken

Oh, let me tell you about the little secret that makes the chicken in this sandwich absolutely unforgettable. The magic starts when you take your fresh chicken breasts or thighs – whichever you fancy – and give them a luxurious soak in a blend of buttermilk and hot sauce. This isn't just any step; it's the transformative process that ensures every piece of chicken is tender enough to melt in your mouth, bursting with flavors that dance between fiery and tangy. I carefully slice each chicken breast into two, perfect for sandwich-sized delights that promise a satisfying crunch with every bite. Now, patience plays its part – I nestle the chicken in the fridge, letting it bathe in the spicy buttermilk concoction for at least 30 minutes. It's this chill time that lets the flavors really seep in, setting the stage for a culinary masterpiece.

The Breading Station

Now, let's dive into what I like to call the heart of the crispy chicken adventure – the breading station. Imagine this: in front of you, three bowls that are the gateway to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior we all crave in a hot honey chicken sandwich. In the first bowl, we've got our flour mixture, seasoned to perfection. I like to throw in a bit of onion powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it that extra something. The second bowl houses our beaten eggs – the glue of our operation.

And then, there's the star of the show, the panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl. The trick here, my friends, is the double dredge technique. Coat your piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in the eggs, and then back it goes into the flour mixture before finally blanketing it in those crispy panko breadcrumbs. This method isn't just for show; it's the secret behind that irresistible crispy coating that marries so well with the spicy sweetness of our hot honey sauce. So, don't be shy – let’s create a masterpiece that will sing to your taste buds and make every bite of your hot honey chicken sandwiches a moment to remember.

Frying to Perfection

Getting the temperature of your oil just right is like finding the sweet spot for creating the crispiest, most delectable pieces of chicken. I cannot stress enough the importance of using a thermometer to ensure your oil is at that perfect golden 350 degrees. It's like the difference between a good day and a great one; it sets the stage for all the magic to happen.

Now, imagine gently laying each piece of chicken into the hot oil, hearing that satisfying sizzle as it starts to turn the perfect shade of golden brown. This, my friends, is where patience pays off. Keep a close eye on your chicken, turning them until they are beautifully cooked through but not a second more. That's when they reach their peak of crunchy, juicy perfection.

And here's a small tip from me to you: after frying, let those golden beauties rest on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on a bed of paper towels. This little step makes sure they stay crispy on all sides. Because let's be honest, we're in this for that irresistible crunch, aren't we?

Crafting the Hot Honey Sauce

Oh, the joy of crafting that perfect hot honey sauce! It's like a little dance of flavors in a pan. Here's how I do it: I start by melting some butter in a skillet over medium heat. You really want that butter sizzling before you go to the next step. Then, I whisk in my Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, a generous drizzle of honey for that sweet kick, a dash of lemon juice, and a teaspoon of Slap Yo Momma seasoning for the extra oomph. The blending of spicy with sweet, enriched by butter's creaminess, creates this mouth-watering sauce that's both bold and comforting.

I let it simmer, stirring occasionally, watching it thicken into that luxurious glaze we all crave on our crispy chicken. This process isn't just about making a sauce; it's about creating a masterpiece that'll coat our chicken with the right balance of spicy and sweet. Remember, if you're like me and crave that extra heat, feel free to tweak the spice levels. Add a bit more hot sauce or a pinch of chilli flakes to make it your own. This sauce is about making your taste buds sing with joy!

Assembling Your Sandwich

Oh, here comes the fun part—building your masterpiece! Once you've got your chicken cooked to that perfect golden brown, it's time to bring out the brioche buns. These buns are like the fluffy clouds ready to cradle your masterpiece. Start by drizzling a generous amount of that addictive hot honey sauce right over the crispy chicken, letting every nook and cranny catch that spicy-sweet magic. Then, it’s all about the toppings. Whether you're all in for some crunchy slaw, daringly spicy pepper jack cheese, or tangy pickles, layer them up. Remember, there's no such thing as too much when you're aiming for the ultimate hot honey chicken sandwich experience. Let your creativity run wild and build a sandwich that not only satisfies your taste buds but also sparks joy with every bite!

Store, Reheat, and Enjoy Again!

Now, let's talk about making those fantastic flavors last. I always store any leftover chicken and that mouthwatering hot honey sauce separately in airtight containers once everything has cooled down to room temperature. It's like a promise to your future self for an encore of deliciousness. Slide them into the refrigerator, and you're set for the next craving wave. When it's go-time again, opt for reheating your chicken in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to revive that irresistible crispy coating we all love. This method ensures the chicken remains as tantalizing as its debut. And don't forget to gently warm the buns and sauce; it's all about recreating that "just made" magic, providing a nearly-as-good-as-fresh experience that will have your taste buds dancing all over again.

A Bite to Remember

I've always believed that the best recipes are the ones that invite you to play, to experiment, and to make them your own. Whether it's whipping up your own hot honey infused with a hint of chili powder or mixing up the flour mixture with a dash of smoked paprika, the journey to creating the perfect Sizzling Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is all about adding your personal touch. Now, did you know that the craze for crispy chicken drenched in a spicy, sweet sauce really took off on TikTok? It's true! Something about that golden brown crunchy exterior giving way to tender, juicy chicken, all smothered in hot honey glaze, just captured the hearts and taste buds of millions.

And here's where I throw down the gauntlet to you, my fellow kitchen adventurers. Why not take this hot honey chicken sandwich recipe, add a twist of cayenne pepper or maybe a drizzle more honey, and share your masterpiece with us? There's something truly special about a community that rallies around the love of a good sandwich. Fill your kitchen with the aroma of sizzling chicken, send those taste buds on a spicy-sweet journey, and then, let us all in on your culinary secrets. Together, we'll keep pushing the boundaries of what a chicken sandwich can be.

Looking for other great chicken recipes? Check out my Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders!