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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features succulent chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce before being double-coated in a spiced flour and panko mixture. Fried until golden and crispy, the chicken is then tossed in a warm glaze combining honey, butter, lemon juice, and hot sauce to create a perfect balance of sweet and heat. Ideal for sandwich assembly with your choice of fresh toppings, this preparation delivers a satisfying crunch paired with bold, layered flavors.

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Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:05:17 GMT
A Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. Save
A Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. | foodiffy.com

This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich hits all the right notes when you want something crunchy, flavorful, and just a little spicy for dinner. It’s the kind of sandwich that’s perfect to make when you need comfort food but also crave a bit of excitement on your plate.

I first made this on a lazy Sunday thinking about spicy fried chicken and honey together and it quickly became a favorite indulgence in my kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: sliced for perfect sandwich size and quick cooking
  • Buttermilk: infused with hot sauce creates a tender, flavorful marinade
  • Eggs and a seasoned flour and panko mixture: form a crispy and golden coating
  • Slap Yo Momma seasoning: adds a southern kick alternatively use your favorite Cajun blend
  • Paprika and garlic powder: enhance the depth of the breading
  • Vegetable oil: for frying ensures crispiness without soaking in grease if temperature is right
  • Hot honey sauce: balanced with lemon juice and butter brings a sticky sweet heat that clings to each bite
  • Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: adds tang and authentic spice but feel free to adjust heat level as you like

Instructions

Build The Marinade:
Slice the chicken breasts into two thinner pieces each for faster cooking and easy sandwich stacking. Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl and submerge the chicken pieces. Let them soak for 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse spice evenly.
Prepare Your Coating Stations:
Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs and another combining flour, panko breadcrumbs, Slap Yo Momma seasoning, seasoning salt, paprika, garlic powder, baking powder, and pepper. This layering keeps the chicken crunchy with a punch of flavor.
Coat The Chicken Thoroughly:
Dip each piece of marinated chicken first into the flour mixture coating all sides, then dive into the eggs, and back into the flour mixture for an extra crispy crust. Remove excess flour gently so the crust does not clump.
Heat Your Frying Oil:
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat it over medium-high to reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Correct temperature is key for golden crispiness without absorbing too much oil.
Fry Until Perfectly Crispy:
Cook the chicken in batches so it does not crowd the pan and loses heat. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, turning carefully, until the coating turns a deep golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make The Hot Honey Sauce:
In a skillet on medium heat, melt the butter and add Frank’s Red Hot sauce, lemon juice, honey, and a teaspoon of Slap Yo Momma seasoning. Stir continuously and let it simmer for two minutes until thickened and glossy.
Toss And Assemble:
You can either coat the hot fried chicken in the warm sauce or drizzle it on when assembling your sandwich. Layer the chicken on toasted buns and add toppings like crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, or creamy coleslaw for extra texture.
A Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich.
A Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. | foodiffy.com

My favorite part about this sandwich is the sauce. I had my first taste of hot honey at a food festival years ago and knew I had to recreate it at home. It brings this magical harmony of spicy and sweet that makes every bite memorable.

Storage Tips

Leftover crispy chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture before tossing in warm sauce.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to simulate acidity. Panko breadcrumbs can be swapped with crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips for a different crunch. Use honey alternatives like agave for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Ideas

Serve the sandwich with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or pickled vegetables on the side. A cold beer or iced tea pairs beautifully. For a fun twist, turn the sandwich into a hot honey chicken burger with melted cheese and crispy bacon.

A crispy hot honey chicken sandwich.
A crispy hot honey chicken sandwich. | foodiffy.com

This sandwich balances spicy and sweet beautifully with a crispy texture that satisfies every bite.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What is the best way to achieve extra crispy chicken?

Double coating the chicken in a seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb mixture helps build a crunchy crust. Frying at the right oil temperature (around 350°F) ensures an even golden crispness without greasiness.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option. Bake the coated chicken pieces at 425°F on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to maintain crispiness.

→ How do I balance the sweet and spicy flavors in the glaze?

Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat, while honey adds sweetness. Simmering the mixture briefly helps meld the flavors, creating a harmonious glaze.

→ What are some suitable toppings to pair with this chicken?

Classic toppings include crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy coleslaw. They provide texture contrast and freshness to complement the rich flavors.

→ How long should the chicken marinate for optimal flavor?

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for about 30 minutes tenderizes the meat while infusing a mild spicy tang that enhances the final dish.

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken

Juicy, crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze for a satisfying meal.

Preparation Time
30 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: American

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients Required

→ Chicken Marinade

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 2 pieces each
02 480 ml buttermilk
03 30 ml hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot preferred)

→ Breading

04 2 large eggs, beaten
05 120 g all-purpose flour
06 120 g panko bread crumbs
07 15 ml Slap Yo Momma seasoning
08 7.5 ml seasoning salt
09 5 ml paprika
10 5 ml garlic powder
11 2.5 ml baking powder
12 2.5 ml ground black pepper
13 Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Hot Honey Sauce

14 120 ml Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
15 60 ml fresh lemon juice
16 90 ml honey
17 28 g unsalted butter
18 5 ml Slap Yo Momma seasoning

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Place the sliced chicken pieces into a bowl and cover with buttermilk and hot sauce. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with a combined mixture of flour, panko bread crumbs, and all seasonings.

Step 03

Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally again in the flour mixture to ensure an even coating.

Step 04

Remove excess flour gently and place the coated chicken pieces evenly spaced on a baking sheet.

Step 05

In a large deep pan, heat vegetable oil to approximately 175°C (350°F) to a two-inch depth over medium-high heat.

Step 06

Fry the chicken in small batches for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then drain on paper towels.

Step 07

In a preheated skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add hot sauce, honey, lemon juice, and seasoning. Stir continuously and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 08

Either toss the fried chicken pieces directly in the hot honey sauce or transfer the sauce to a bowl and coat the chicken accordingly.

Step 09

Assemble sandwiches using the coated chicken and your preferred fresh toppings such as brioche buns, coleslaw, pickles, or lettuce, then serve immediately.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Adjust the hot sauce quantity to control the heat level. For a healthier alternative, consider baking the chicken instead of frying.
  2. Serve on toasted brioche buns with toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or fresh lettuce for added texture and flavor.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large deep frying pan or deep fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Thermometer

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy products

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 650
  • Fats: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 45 g