If you’ve been dreaming of making a Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich at home that rivals your favorite food truck, you’ve landed in the right place. This sandwich checks all the boxes: juicy chicken enveloped in a shatteringly crisp crust, a glorious sweet-and-spicy hot honey drizzle, cool creamy slaw, and a buttery brioche bun that cradles every element in pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this is the sandwich that turns a simple meal into an event.

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item on this list plays a starring role in creating the ultimate Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. With just a handful of pantry basics and a few fresh staples, you’ll be amazed how each ingredient brings its own magic—think juicy chicken, a flavorful seasoned crust, and that irresistible pop of sweetness and heat.

Chicken breasts: Pounded to an even ½-inch thickness for tender results and perfectly even frying.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour coating adhere for extra crunch.
All-purpose flour: The base of that addictively crispy outer layer.
Paprika: Brings smoky, earthy undertones to the breading and beautiful color.
Garlic powder: Adds a punch of savory flavor right into the crust.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning for balanced, deep flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Kicks up the heat in both the breading and hot honey sauce—adjust to your taste!
Salt: Brightens and intensifies every flavor in the sandwich.
Black pepper: For warmth and complexity in each bite.
Vegetable oil: Use enough for deep-frying; yields that signature crispy, golden crust.
Honey: The backbone of your luscious hot honey sauce.
Hot sauce: Mixes with honey for a bold, fiery-sweet finish.
Butter: Adds richness to the hot honey sauce and for toasting those buns to golden perfection.
Brioche buns: Buttery and soft, these buns elevate your sandwich from good to unforgettable.
Coleslaw mix: A refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness—no need to shred your own!
Mayonnaise: Creamy binding power in the slaw and for slathering on your buns.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a zippy tang to the slaw, brightening every bite.
Dill pickle chips: For that classic, tangy spark in every sandwich.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken

Start by laying out the chicken breasts and pounding them to ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook at an even rate and stay juicy all the way through. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper—this critical first step builds the foundation for every delicious layer in the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Prepare two shallow dishes: one for the buttermilk and one for the seasoned flour mixture (flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper all whisked together). Having your station organized lets you move quickly and keeps one hand cleaner for dipping duties.

Step 3: Double-Dredge for Crunch

This is where the magic happens: Dip each chicken breast in buttermilk, then firmly press it into the seasoned flour. For the ultimate crunch, dip it back in the buttermilk and coat it again in flour. The double dredging creates that irresistibly craggy crust fans of the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich crave!

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces and fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked to 165°F internally. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed for perfect crispiness every time.

Step 5: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken rests, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and a little extra cayenne (if you like it really fiery) in a saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter melts and the sauce gets glossy. This spicy-sweet drizzle is the secret weapon that makes this sandwich legendary.

Step 6: Toss the Creamy Coleslaw

Mix coleslaw blend with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, seasoning to taste. This slaw delivers an essential crunch and tang, balancing every bite of your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich with refreshing contrast.

Step 7: Toast the Brioche Buns

Don’t skip this step! Brush each brioche bun with butter and toast in a skillet until golden. The silky, toasted bun cradles all your fillings without turning soggy, making every bite even more delightful.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

Layer bottom bun with a swipe of mayo, a few pickle chips, crispy chicken, a generous drizzle of hot honey sauce, loaded slaw, and top bun. The result? A Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich that brings together every perfect bite—for you and anyone lucky enough to be at your table.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Garnishes

This sandwich almost doesn’t need anything extra, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives looks beautiful against the golden crust. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra drizzle of hot honey across the top is sure to impress. And don’t forget those extra pickle chips on the side for a tangy snack between bites!

Side Dishes

The Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich shines brightest alongside simple, crowd-pleasing sides. Classic kettle chips or crispy sweet potato fries are always a hit. For something lighter, consider a fresh cucumber salad or a scoop of creamy potato salad. And a cold, fizzy drink makes the spicy-sweet flavors pop even more.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve on a big platter for easy sharing. Tuck a sandwich into parchment and tie with twine picnic-style, or set up a “DIY sandwich bar” with extra hot honey, slaw, and pickles for guests to customize—and pile their own ultimate Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich high.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store slaw, sauce, and buns separately to keep everything tasting fresh and crisp when you reassemble.

Freezing

The fried chicken cutlets freeze beautifully! Place cooked, cooled chicken between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 2 months. The hot honey sauce and slaw are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep buns ahead and freeze as well.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy—about 10–12 minutes. This keeps your chicken crunchy, not soggy. If you microwaved, wrap in a paper towel to absorb steam, though oven remains the top choice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and have even more juicy flavor. Adjust the pounding and frying time if needed, as thighs can be a bit thicker.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The heat level is totally customizable! Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne to taste. If you want it mild, use less cayenne or opt for a mild hot sauce. For fiery fans, dial it up!

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?

Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels, to let air circulate underneath and keep the crust super crisp. Assemble your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich just before serving for maximum texture.

Can I make the slaw ahead?

Yes! The slaw can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Prep just before serving for optimal crunch, or drain any excess liquid if it sits for a while.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a swap: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and serve on your favorite gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Double check labels on your hot sauce and other condiments to keep things safe for all your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is everything you’re craving—bold, flavorful, and fantastically satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you can create a sandwich that brings family or friends running to the table. Give it a go, make it your own, and get ready for rave reviews (and repeat requests) every single time!

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich recipe features tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful blend of spices, fried to crispy perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Served on a toasted brioche bun with tangy coleslaw and pickles, it’s a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Instructions

Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Set up a dredging station: buttermilk in one dish, seasoned flour mixture in another.
Double-dredge chicken: dip in buttermilk, then flour, then repeat.
Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internally.
Make hot honey sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and cayenne in a saucepan.
Mix coleslaw with mayo, vinegar, and seasonings.
Toast the buttered buns until golden.
Assemble: bottom bun, mayo, pickles, chicken, hot honey drizzle, slaw, and top bun.

Notes

You can adjust the level of spiciness in the hot honey sauce by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 590
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 1030mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Hot Honey Sauce, Coleslaw, Brioche Bun