I’ve always been a fan of the sweet-spicy combo, and after trying a hot honey chicken sandwich at a local diner last summer, I knew I had to recreate it at home.
It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick dinner or game-day treat. The hot honey-fried chicken sandwich strikes a balance between heat and sweetness, and I’ve added a gluten-free tweak to make it more accessible.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Neutral oil (e.g., canola or vegetable), for frying
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- For Assembly:
- 4 gluten-free brioche buns (or hamburger buns), toasted
- Shredded lettuce
- Dill pickle slices
- Optional: Mayo or gluten-free ranch for spreading
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drop off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
3. Fry the Chicken
Preheat ½ inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer for precision). Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. To maintain the crispy texture, drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the gluten-free buns. Spread a thin layer of mayo or ranch on the bottom bun, then add shredded lettuce and pickle slices. Place the fried chicken on top, drizzle generously with hot honey sauce, and cap with the top bun. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Real Chef Tips
“Brine chicken in buttermilk overnight. The acids tenderize and help the coating stick better.” Chef Marcus Samuelsson
“Hot honey isn’t just spicy, it should be slightly buttery and rich for balance.” Chef Kristen Kish
“Mixing your flour with cornstarch helps deliver that fast-food crunch at home.” Chef Roy Choi
What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
- Sweet potato fries or waffle fries
- Tangy dill pickles
- Slaw (classic or vinegar-based)
- Mac and cheese
- Sweet iced tea or lemonade
- Craft lager or wheat beer
Final Thoughts
The hot honey chicken sandwich is a spicy-sweet delicacy that is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Crispy chicken, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of spicy honey make each bite pure comfort with a kick.
Whether you’re gluten-free or simply want a tasty chicken sandwich, this recipe delivers. Try it out and tell me how it goes in the comments!
FAQS
1. What’s on a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich?
It usually includes crispy chicken, hot honey sauce, pickles, and sometimes slaw on a toasted bun.
2. What goes well with hot honey chicken?
Sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese pair perfectly.
3. What is in the KFC Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich?
It features crispy fried chicken, KFC’s hot honey sauce, pickles, and a soft bun.
4. Is the KFC hot honey chicken good?
Yes, it’s praised for its crispy texture and a perfect balance of sweet heat, though the taste may vary by location.
