Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy in Every Bite
The first time I made these hot honey chicken sandwiches, I couldn’t get over how well the combination of flavors worked together. You get the crispy, savory chicken, a hint of heat from the hot honey, melty cheese, and the crunch of pickles.
Every bite was like a little burst of happiness, and to top it off, they were incredibly easy to make. My family loved them so much that they asked to have them again the next day.
These sandwiches are now a go-to in our house, especially since they’re ready in less than 30 minutes. I’m excited to share this amazing recipe with you. Try our cheesy and fun Pizza Burgers Recipe for a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients You will Need
Here are some ingredients for hot honey chicken sandwich:
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
For the Sandwiches
- 4 buns
- 8 strips of cooked bacon
- Pepper Jack cheese, 4 slices
- Dill pickles, as desired
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.
Variations to Try
Here are a few ways to personalize your hot honey chicken sandwiches to make them your own:
- Milder option: Replace the hot honey with plain honey for a kid-friendly version.
- Cheese swap: Use cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Swiss cheese instead of Pepper Jack.
- Add greens: Layer on lettuce or arugula for a fresh crunch.
- Vegan-friendly: Substitute the chicken with a plant-based breaded “chicken” patty, and use vegan cheese.
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Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet (for cooking chicken and toasting buns)
- Baking sheet (for cooking bacon and warming chicken)
- Small bowl (for mixing seasonings or hot honey glaze)
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing chicken and optional garnishes)
- A meat thermometer (to ensure the chicken cooks to a safe temperature)
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches?
Crafting a delicious hot honey chicken sandwich is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a meal that’s crispy, spicy, and indulgent.
Cook the Bacon
Start by preparing the bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Lay out the strips of bacon and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Prepare and Season the Chicken
While the bacon is baking, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides of each piece of chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken slices. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a crispy golden crust forms.
At this point, the chicken won’t be fully cooked through, but don’t worry—we’ll finish it in the oven.
Add the Hot Honey Glaze and Cheese
Drizzle a generous amount of hot honey over each piece of chicken while it’s still in the skillet. The hot honey will start to caramelize and coat the chicken beautifully. Top each piece with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Toast the Buns
While the chicken finishes in the oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a clean skillet. Cut your buns in half and toast them face-down until golden and crisp. A toasted bun adds warmth and prevents it from getting soggy.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Now it’s time to put everything together. Start with one toasted bun half, layer on a piece of hot honey-glazed chicken with melted cheese, followed by 1-2 strips of crispy bacon and crunchy dill pickles.
Add an extra drizzle of hot honey if you like it spicier. Finally, top it with the other bun half and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This hot honey chicken sandwich is going to become a fast favorite for so many reasons:
- Quick to make: You can have this on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients or toppings to suit your taste.
- Flavor explosion: Combines sweet, spicy, savory, and crunchy in every bite.
- Family-friendly: Easy to adapt for those who prefer less heat.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches?
For a complete meal, these sandwiches shine with some delectable sides. Crispy air fryer potato wedges, a tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh side salad complement the bold flavors perfectly.
To serve, stack the sandwiches neatly on a platter and include small dishes of extra hot honey or dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo for dipping. Kids and adults will love these easy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders if you pair them.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re prepping these sandwiches ahead of time, there are a few ways to keep everything fresh and tasty. Assemble the components separately and store them in airtight containers. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven and toast the buns fresh before assembling.
Cooked bacon can also be reheated in a skillet for a few seconds to regain crispness. Avoid adding pickles until you’re ready to eat, as they may make the sandwich soggy.
Tips for Making the Recipe
After making this recipe myself a few times, here are my best tips for nailing it each time:
- Use thin chicken breasts so they cook faster and stay tender.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns. That slight crunch adds a lot to the sandwich.
- Add the hot honey in layers—for example, one drizzle while cooking and another when assembling.
- Experiment with different cheeses if you prefer less spicy options.
What’s on a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich?
A classic hot honey chicken sandwich features a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory ingredients. It starts with crispy, seared chicken breast glazed in hot honey, topped with melted cheese, bacon, and tangy dill pickles. All of these components are sandwiched between buttery toasted buns, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavor combination you’ll crave again and again!
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preparing the bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay out the strips of bacon and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- While the bacon is baking, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides of each piece of chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken slices. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a crispy golden crust forms. At this point, the chicken won’t be fully cooked through, but don’t worry—we’ll finish it in the oven.
- Drizzle a generous amount of hot honey over each piece of chicken while it’s still in the skillet. The hot honey will start to caramelize and coat the chicken beautifully. Top each piece with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken finishes in the oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a clean skillet. Cut your buns in half and toast them face-down until golden and crisp. A toasted bun adds warmth and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Now it’s time to put everything together. Start with one toasted bun half, layer on a piece of hot honey-glazed chicken with melted cheese, followed by 1-2 strips of crispy bacon and crunchy dill pickles. Add an extra drizzle of hot honey if you like it spicier. Finally, top it with the other bun half and serve immediately.