Name: Hot Honey Chicken Burger Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: For the Chicken; 4 boneless chicken breasts (slightly pounded; boneless thighs work too); For the Marinade; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons chilli flakes; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garam masala; For the Coating; 200 g plain flour; 100 g corn flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; For the Wet Batter; 2 eggs; 200 g plain flour; 200 ml milk; For the Hot Honey; 200 g honey; 50 g hot sauce; 50 g unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons chilli flakes; 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

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Hot Honey Chicken Burger Recipe – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy

Now and then, a recipe comes along that’s so good, you can’t stop thinking about it. This hot honey chicken burger is one of those! The crispy, juicy chicken paired with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy honey glaze is a combination.

When I made these burgers, I couldn’t help but marvel at how simple they were to whip up—but the flavors? Next level! If you love experimenting with flavors, you can also try this delicious Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe for a fresh and unique twist.

Ingredients You will Need

Get all the essentials you need to make these crispy and flavorful burgers!

For the Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts (slightly pounded; boneless thighs work too)

For the Marinade

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons chilli flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garam masala

For the Coating

200 g plain flour
100 g corn flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder

For the Wet Batter

2 eggs
200 g plain flour
200 ml milk

For the Hot Honey

200 g honey
50 g hot sauce
50 g unsalted butter
2 teaspoons chilli flakes
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Extras

Vegetable oil (for frying)
4 burger buns
Spicy mayo or preferred sauce
Lettuce

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.

Variations to Try

Try these easy swaps and changes to suit your dietary needs or preferences!

Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based milk in the batter and skip the butter in the hot honey.
Gluten-free option: Replace the plain and corn flours with gluten-free flour blends.
Mild version: Adjust the spices to taste or skip the chilli flakes and cayenne.
Vegetarian-friendly: Replace the chicken with crispy, battered tofu or a meat substitute.

If you like customizable dishes, consider trying this Hot Honey Chicken Wraps Recipe as well for another spin on satisfying options.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it’ll take to create this masterpiece.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Prepare these tools to make cooking easy and seamless!

Large bowl: For marinating the chicken.
Small bowl: To mix the coating ingredients.
Whisk: For combining the batter smoothly.
Heavy-bottomed pan or pot: For frying the chicken.
Pastry brush: To spread the hot honey evenly. (A spoon works too!)
Wire rack: To drain excess oil from the chicken while maintaining crispiness.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Burger?

Follow these simple steps to create this crispy, spicy, and irresistibly delicious burger!

Start with the Chicken Marinade

Before you can fry up the chicken, you’ll need to boost its flavor! Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices in a large bowl.

Coat the chicken thoroughly, cover the bowl, and marinate in the fridge. Ideally, the chicken should sit for at least an hour, but if you’re short on time, even 20 minutes will infuse it with flavor.

Prep the Coatings

Prepare your dredging station by mixing the plain and corn flours with the seasonings in one bowl. Then, whisk together the eggs, flour, and milk in another. The wet batter creates a stickier base, ensuring maximum crunch when fried.

Coat the Chicken

Take a piece of marinated chicken and dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, before returning it to the flour mixture.

Press the flour tightly onto the chicken to create a crispy shell. Repeat with the remaining pieces and place them on a wire rack.

Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a pan to around 170-180°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil’s readiness with a small piece of chicken; it should bubble gently.

Fry each chicken fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once done, place the cooked chicken on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey

Combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, chilli flakes, and cayenne pepper in a pot. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and it reaches a gentle boil. Stir well and simmer for about 30 seconds before removing it from the heat.

Assemble Your Burgers

Now for the fun part! Toast your burger buns and spread a layer of spicy mayo on the bottom halves. Place your crispy chicken on top and generously brush it with the hot honey. Add some fresh lettuce for crunch and crown it with the bun top. Enjoy the satisfying first bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe over and over again!

Easy to make: Simple steps with no special cooking skills needed.
Customizable: Adjust the heat level, spices, or garnishes to suit your taste.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet honey, spicy chills, and savory chicken create harmony.
Crave-worthy texture: A crispy crust with juicy chicken inside—pure bliss.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

How to Serve a Hot Honey Chicken Burger?

Pair your burgers with the perfect sides and presentation to wow everyone!

Presentation matters when you serve these burgers! Plate them on wooden boards or rustic plates for charm. Add a side of golden fries, a pickle spear, or a small salad for a well-rounded meal.

Garnish your burger with sesame seeds on the bun or sprinkle a few extra chilli flakes for added finesse. Serve with chilled drinks like lemonade or iced tea to balance the heat.

For more flavorful meals, take a look at our dinner recipes page.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition you can expect per serving.

Calories: 700
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 42 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Save time by preparing parts of this recipe ahead or learn how to store leftovers properly!

If you’re planning to make these burgers ahead, you’re in luck! You can pre-bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will), refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it in an oven at 180°C to maintain its crispiness. Alternatively, wrap the chicken individually and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw before reheating.

When it comes to the hot honey, store it in a jar at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for slightly longer shelf life. Warm it slightly before use.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use these simple tricks to take your hot honey chicken burger to the next level!

Pound the chicken: Lightly pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Season every layer: Don’t skip on the seasoning; it’s the secret to big, bold flavors.
Test the oil temperature: Proper oil temperature is key for crispy yet non-greasy chicken.
Don’t skip the wire rack: Draining fried chicken on a rack preserves that golden crispiness.
Brush, don’t dip: Brushing the hot honey onto the chicken keeps it crispy while adding flavor.

This hot honey chicken burger is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Its mix of textures, bold flavors, and the perfect touch of spice make it a truly unforgettable meal. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

Ben Carraoli