Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
Craving a sweet and spicy treat? This irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich features perfectly seasoned chicken, coated in a luscious hot honey sauce, either homemade or store-bought, and served on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings like pickles and gooey cheese. Get the full recipe below and tips on how to keep your buns from getting soggy!
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 846kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless chicken breasts I used 2 breasts about 11oz each. You can use whatever size you like.
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Hot Honey Sauce (or you can use store-bought)
- ¼-1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter Measured solid. If you are cooking the chicken on the stove, you will need 1 additional teaspoon of butter.
Toppings
- brioche buns
- pepper jack cheese
- pickles
Instructions
Hot Honey Sauce
- Combine the ingredients and stir until well combined. You can use the stove top at medium heat or the microwave.
Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry.
- Combine the spices in a bowl and sprinkle the spices over the chicken and rub them in. Be sure to season both sides and the edges.
- I like to combine the spices before adding them to the chicken because the amount you will need will vary based on the size of the chicken you have. Add enough to fully coat both sides, add more spices if you need it.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Air fry the chicken at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. Open the air fryer and drizzle half of the hot honey sauce over the chicken.
- Air fry for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Load the chicken onto buns with toppings and the remaining hot honey sauce.
Stovetop Chicken Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Heat a cast iron or stainless-steel skillet on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- When the butter has melted, add the chicken to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken has charred on both sides.
- Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes and then drizzle half of the hot honey sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Load the chicken onto buns with toppings and the remaining hot honey sauce.
Notes
- There are several ranges listed for the ingredients in the recipe. This is so that you can customize the flavor to suit your taste.
- If you want a thick sauce, use more honey. If you want a spicy sauce, use more cayenne pepper and/or hot sauce, etc.
- This recipe makes a good amount of sauce, but feel free to make more of if if you like a really saucy sandwich. The same concept applies if you like less sauce on your sandwich. Don't make as much or don't use as much if you're using store-bought sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Ensure the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. This is when it’s safe to eat. The chicken will cook at varying speeds and times based on the size and thickness of the chicken. You should use a meat thermometer for safety.
- (For the stovetop method) Searing the chicken helps to create a delicious crispy layer on the outside of the chicken (which is what blackened is). However, it can be difficult to get the chicken cooked all the way through without overcooking the outside. Finishing the chicken in the oven helps to ensure that the chicken is cooked through evenly and that the juices are sealed in.
- When pan searing, the pan will need to get really hot. Cast iron usually smokes. This is normal. You can use a fan over the stove or open up a window as well.
- If your chicken is dry it was overcooked or you didn't allow it to rest properly. Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier.
- The best way to avoid soggy buns for any sandwich is to toast your buns. This added texture will help prevent the sauce and juices from soaking into the bread.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 846kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 28g