Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Recipe

These Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are crispy, juicy, sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy buttermilk mixture, coated in a seasoned crispy breading, and fried until golden brown. Each sandwich is finished with creamy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, and a generous drizzle of hot honey on a soft toasted brioche bun.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, game day, or whenever you’re craving a restaurant-style crispy chicken sandwich at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 egg
• 4 chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness

For the Flour Coating

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Creamy Slaw

• 1½ cups tri-color coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Sandwiches

• 4 brioche buns
• Hot honey sauce
• Pickles

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, and egg.

Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. If marinating for longer than 2 hours, cover and refrigerate.

2. Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a wide bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Mix well until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

3. Make the Coleslaw

In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

Stir until everything is evenly coated. Set aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

4. Heat the Oil

Add approximately ½ inch of vegetable oil to a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan.

Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat until ready for frying.

5. Bread and Fry the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.

Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil.

Fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.

6. Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast the brioche buns until lightly golden.

Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle generously with hot honey sauce.

Top with creamy coleslaw and pickles, then add the top bun.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches deliver the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet and spicy hot honey, creamy coleslaw, and tangy pickles. The brioche bun brings everything together for an irresistible homemade sandwich that tastes like something straight from your favorite restaurant.

Enjoy them fresh, and don’t forget the extra hot honey!