Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

Join us on this flavorful journey as we dive into the secrets of creating the ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe. From the classic renditions to mouthwatering fusions, get ready to tantalize your senses and unleash your inner sandwich connoisseur.

The popularity of Fried Chicken Sandwiches has led to numerous variations and regional specialties, with different restaurants and fast-food chains putting their own spin on the classic recipe. It has become a staple in many fast-food menus and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

This Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is absolutely phenomenal. It is so crispy on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside. This sandwich can come together quickly. Don’t skip on the cornstarch because that is what helps the chicken come out extra crispy on the outside.  

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Caprese Sandwich or my Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki.

What is a Fried Chicken Sandwich?

A Fried Chicken Sandwich is a popular type of sandwich that features a breaded and deep-fried chicken fillet served between two slices of bread or a bun. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that has gained significant popularity in many parts of the world.

The key component of a Fried Chicken Sandwich is the chicken fillet, which is typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat. The chicken is usually seasoned with various spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes other ingredients like cayenne pepper or buttermilk for added flavor and tenderness.

Why are Fried Chicken Sandwiches so great?

• Crispy and Juicy Texture: The deep-frying process creates a crispy and golden-brown coating on the chicken fillet while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. The contrast between the crunchy breading and the moist chicken creates a satisfying texture that many people enjoy.
• Flavorful Seasonings: Fried Chicken Sandwiches are often seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, which can include a combination of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors. The seasoning enhances the taste of the chicken, making it delicious and satisfying.
• Versatility: Fried Chicken Sandwiches can be customized with various toppings, condiments, and accompaniments. Whether it's adding lettuce, tomato, pickles, or different sauces, you can personalize your sandwich to suit your taste preferences. This versatility allows for a wide range of flavor combinations and ensures that there is something for everyone.

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Honey
• Butter
• Hot Sauce
• Chicken thighs
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Buttermilk
• Garlic cloves
• Oil
• Burger Buns
• Pickles

See recipe card for Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe quantities.

How to make a Fried Chicken Sandwich

Start by making the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, butter and hot sauce. Do not stop stirring until all the butter melts and the honey becomes thin. Set aside. Prep the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon chili powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. In another dish, add the buttermilk, remaining chili powder, and minced garlic. Stir each mixture with a fork until well combined. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture and let it marinate for 30 minutes. Then, toss in the flour, and add on a clean plate. Repeat with the rest.

Heat up the oil. Heat a 2-inch depth of vegetable oil in a heavy large pot between medium and medium high heat. Use a thermometer! Oil must register to 375°F. Add the chicken into the oil and fry, turning once, for about 8 minutes, or until the chicken registers 170°F internal temperature. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel and repeat with the rest of the chicken. When the chicken cools off a bit, dip into the spicy honey mixture!

Add each fried chicken tossed in the honey mixture onto a bun. 

If you want, you can add mayonnaise as well as the pickles. Top with the bun and enjoy!

What can I substitute buttermilk for?

• Milk and Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly. This mixture can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in equal amounts.
• Milk and Yogurt: Combine ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of plain yogurt. This mixture provides a similar tanginess and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for buttermilk.
• Milk and Sour Cream: Mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of sour cream to create a creamy and slightly tangy substitute for buttermilk. Use it in the same amount as the buttermilk called for in the recipe.
• Milk and Cream of Tartar: Stir 1 cup of milk with 1 ¾ teaspoons of cream of tartar until well combined. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. This mixture can be used as a buttermilk substitute in equal amounts.
• Non-Dairy Alternatives: If you prefer a non-dairy substitute, you can use options like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk combined with lemon juice or vinegar. The ratio is generally 1 cup of non-dairy milk to 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Substitutions

• Honey:
  • Maple syrup: It has a similar sweetness and viscosity to honey, making it a suitable substitute.
  • Agave nectar: This natural sweetener can replace honey in equal amounts and adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Hot Sauce:
  • Sriracha sauce: Known for its tangy and spicy flavor, Sriracha sauce can be used as a substitute for hot sauce in most recipes.
  • Tabasco sauce: It adds a similar level of heat as hot sauce and can be used as a replacement.
• Chicken thighs:
  • Chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, boneless and skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Flour:
  • Almond flour: A gluten-free option that provides a nutty flavor and crispy texture.
• Cornstarch:
  • Arrowroot powder: It can be used in the same ratio as cornstarch to thicken sauces or coat the chicken before frying.
• Chili powder:
  • Cayenne pepper: Use in the same amount as chili powder for a similar level of heat.
  • Paprika: It adds a mild smoky flavor without the spiciness. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Oil:
  • Vegetable oil: Canola oil or any other neutral-flavored oil can be used as a substitute for frying or sautéing.
• Burger Buns:
  • Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, replace the buns with large lettuce leaves to create a lettuce-wrapped chicken sandwich.
  • Whole wheat wraps/tortillas: If you prefer a different type of bread, wraps or tortillas can be used instead of burger buns.

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe Variations

• BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Basted in your favorite BBQ sauce and topped with crispy onion rings, this sandwich offers a combination of smoky, sweet, and crunchy flavors.
• Asian-inspired Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich: Infused with Vietnamese flavors, this sandwich features fried chicken topped with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for some heat.
• Mexican-inspired Chicken Torta Sandwich: This sandwich draws inspiration from Mexican cuisine, featuring fried chicken with a spicy chipotle mayo, sliced avocado, queso fresco, and pickled jalapenos, all served on a soft Mexican roll.
• Italian Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: This variation includes a breaded and fried chicken fillet topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, all sandwiched between a toasted Italian roll.

Check out this Sausage Pita.

Equipment

• Deep Fryer or Large Pot: To fry the chicken, you'll need a deep fryer or a large pot with enough oil to fully submerge the chicken. The pot should be deep enough to prevent oil splatter and ensure even frying.
• Cooking Thermometer: A cooking thermometer is essential to monitor the temperature of the oil. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and prevents it from becoming overly greasy or undercooked.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: These tools are used to carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, flip it while frying, and remove it from the oil once cooked.
• Mixing Bowls: You'll need bowls for various steps, such as marinating the chicken and coating it in flour or breadcrumbs.
• Whisk or Fork: Used to mix and blend the marinade or buttermilk mixture for the chicken.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You'll need a cutting board and knife to prepare the chicken fillets or to slice any additional toppings for the sandwich.
• Paper Towels or Wire Rack: These are used to drain excess oil from the fried chicken, helping to keep it crispy.
• Toaster or Grill: Depending on your preference, you may want to toast the buns or grill them for added flavor and texture.
• Optional: Meat Thermometer: If you want to ensure that your chicken reaches the proper internal temperature, you can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

How to store Fried Chicken Sandwich

To store a fried chicken sandwich, follow these steps:

1. Let it cool: Allow the fried chicken sandwich to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container and keeps the sandwich from becoming soggy.
2. Wrap it properly: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Make sure the wrapping or container is sealed well to prevent air from entering and moisture from escaping.
3. Refrigerate promptly: Place the wrapped or containerized fried chicken sandwich in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The refrigerator helps maintain the freshness and prevents bacterial growth.
4. Use within a few days: Ideally, consume the fried chicken sandwich within 2-3 days for the best quality and taste. Over time, the crispy coating on the chicken may lose its texture and become less appealing.
5. Reheat if desired: When you're ready to enjoy the sandwich, you can reheat it in the oven or toaster oven at a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help restore some of the crispness to the chicken coating.

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe Top tips

• Marinate for flavor: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, spices, and seasonings before frying can enhance its flavor and help tenderize the meat. Aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for maximum flavor.
• Proper oil temperature: It's crucial to maintain the right oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken may burn on the outside before cooking through, and if it's too cool, the chicken can become greasy. The ideal frying temperature for chicken is around 375°F.
• Use a wire rack: After frying the chicken, place it on a wire rack rather than directly on a plate or paper towel. This allows excess oil to drain and helps keep the chicken crispy all around. If you don't have a wire rack, use paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Season the coating: Make sure to season the flour or breadcrumb coating for the chicken. This step adds extra flavor to the crust, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich. You can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or any other preferred seasonings to the coating mixture.
• Don't overcrowd the frying pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, allowing enough space between each piece. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in greasy and less crispy chicken.
• Toast the buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy when combined with the chicken and other toppings. You can toast them in a toaster, oven, or on a hot skillet with a little butter or oil.
• Customization and toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to personalize your fried chicken sandwich. Popular options include lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, coleslaw, mayonnaise, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a special homemade sauce or aioli.
• Serve it fresh: Fried chicken sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after assembling. The longer the sandwich sits, the more the crispy coating can soften and become less appealing. So, assemble the sandwich just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and flavor.

Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Maxine Dubois
• Total Time: 1 Hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich is absolutely phenomenal – so crispy on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside. The chicken is drenched in a spicy honey sauce. 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spicy Honey Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoons hot sauce, I’ve used Valentina and franks red hot

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless thick chicken thighs (3 to 4 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

 

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 potato burger buns
• 14-16 dill pickle chips

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Instructions

1. Start by making the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, butter and hot sauce. Do not stop stirring until all the butter melts and the honey becomes thin. Set aside.
2. Prep the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon chili powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. In another dish, add the buttermilk, remaining chili powder, and minced garlic. Stir each mixture with a fork until well combined. Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes. Toss the chicken in the flour, and add on a clean plate. Repeat with the rest.
3. Heat up the oil. Heat a 2-inch depth of vegetable oil in a heavy large pot between medium and medium high heat. Use a thermometer! Oil must register to 375°F. Add the chicken into the oil and fry, turning once, for about 8 minutes, or until the chicken registers 170°F internal temperature. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel and repeat with the rest of the chicken. When the chicken cools off a bit, dip into the spicy honey mixture!
4. Assemble the chicken sandwiches. Add each fried chicken tossed in the honey mixture onto a bun. If you want, you can add mayonnaise as well as the pickles. Top with the bun and enjoy!

Notes

• Marinate for flavor: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, spices, and seasonings before frying can enhance its flavor and help tenderize the meat. Aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for maximum flavor.
• Proper oil temperature: It's crucial to maintain the right oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken may burn on the outside before cooking through, and if it's too cool, the chicken can become greasy. The ideal frying temperature for chicken is around 375°F.
• Use a wire rack: After frying the chicken, place it on a wire rack rather than directly on a plate or paper towel. This allows excess oil to drain and helps keep the chicken crispy all around. If you don't have a wire rack, use paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Season the coating: Make sure to season the flour or breadcrumb coating for the chicken. This step adds extra flavor to the crust, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich. You can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or any other preferred seasonings to the coating mixture.
• Don't overcrowd the frying pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, allowing enough space between each piece. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in greasy and less crispy chicken.
• Toast the buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy when combined with the chicken and other toppings. You can toast them in a toaster, oven, or on a hot skillet with a little butter or oil.
• Customization and toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to personalize your fried chicken sandwich. Popular options include lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, coleslaw, mayonnaise, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a special homemade sauce or aioli.
• Serve it fresh: Fried chicken sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after assembling. The longer the sandwich sits, the more the crispy coating can soften and become less appealing. So, assemble the sandwich just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 561.0
• Sodium: 3,107.0 mg
• Fat: 14.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.0 g
• Carbohydrates: 76.7 g
• Fiber: 3.9 g
• Protein: 31.5 g
• Cholesterol: 66.5 mg

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.