Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich has been my go-to comfort food ever since that rainy evening last fall. I can still vividly remember walking through the door, soaked to the bone after a long day at work, and the first bite of that perfectly crispy, honey-drizzled fried chicken sandwich. It was as if all my troubles melted away with that burst of sweet and spicy flavors. From that moment on, I knew this Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe would become a permanent fixture in my kitchen.
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Why This Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
What sets this Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich apart is the unique flavor profile and the perfect balance of textures. The chicken is brined in a spicy, honey-infused buttermilk mixture, which keeps it incredibly juicy and tender on the inside while creating a deliciously crispy coating on the outside. And the secret weapon? A drizzle of homemade hot honey that takes the whole sandwich to the next level. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – The dark meat stays juicier and more flavorful than breast meat.
Buttermilk – This helps tenderize the chicken and creates a light, airy batter.
Hot sauce – Look for a high-quality, vinegar-based hot sauce to add the perfect kick.
Honey – You’ll use this for both the brine and the hot honey topping.
All-purpose flour – Coats the chicken for an extra crispy exterior.
Panko breadcrumbs – Provides an unbeatable crunch factor.
Spices – A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne elevates the flavor.
Dill pickles – The tangy, crunchy pickles balance out the richness of the fried chicken.
Brioche buns – Or your favorite soft, slightly sweet burger buns.
Step-by-Step Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich Instructions
Preparing Your Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
This Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe comes together quickly, with just about 30 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools like a large bowl, a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, and a meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding the chicken. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by brining the chicken in a buttermilk mixture spiked with hot sauce and honey. This helps the meat stay juicy and infuses it with flavor.
2- While the chicken is brining, make the hot honey by simmering honey with your favorite hot sauce until thickened slightly.
3- Dredge the brined chicken in seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs, pressing to help the coating adhere.
4- Fry the breaded chicken in batches in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the oil temperature to maintain that perfect crunch.
5- Assemble the Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches by placing the fried chicken on soft brioche buns and drizzling generously with the homemade hot honey.
6- Top with tangy dill pickle chips and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.
Pro Tips for Success
For the crispiest, most evenly cooked Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken, be sure to pat the brined chicken very dry before breading. And don’t be afraid to really pack on the panko – the extra crunch is what makes this sandwich so irresistible.
To avoid a greasy, soggy mess, make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. And don’t overload the pan – fry the chicken in batches for best results.
If you want to take your Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich to the next level, try topping it with a tangy, creamy coleslaw or some cool, refreshing sliced tomatoes.
Serving and Storing Your Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
Perfect Pairings for Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
This Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich is a total flavor bomb, so I like to keep the sides simple. A crisp, vinegary coleslaw or some crispy seasoned french fries are always a winning combination. And to drink? An ice-cold beer or a tall glass of sweet iced tea is pure perfection.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the chicken in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again. The buns can be stored separately and warmed up briefly before assembling.
You can also prepare the components ahead of time. The hot honey can be made a week in advance and stored at room temperature. The brined chicken can be breaded and frozen for up to 3 months, then fried straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
Creative Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich Variations
For a fun twist, try swapping the brioche buns for soft Hawaiian rolls or even fluffy waffles. You can also experiment with different flavor profiles by using a spicy barbecue sauce or a sweet and tangy pineapple-based hot honey.
And don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or a zesty, herby slaw would all be delicious additions to this Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Making Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich Diet-Friendly
To make this Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich a bit more diet-friendly, try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also bake the breaded chicken in the oven instead of frying it. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
And if you’re watching your carbs, skip the bun altogether and serve the fried chicken on a bed of greens or cauliflower rice. The hot honey and pickle toppings will still make it absolutely delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of hot sauce in the brine and hot honey?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor and heat level may vary, so you may need to adjust the amounts accordingly.
Q: How long should I brine the chicken for best results?
A: I recommend brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This helps ensure the meat stays juicy and flavorful without becoming overly salty.
Q: Can I prepare the Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich components in advance?
A: Yes! The hot honey can be made up to 1 week ahead, and the breaded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months before frying. This makes it easy to whip up a batch of these sandwiches anytime.
Q: How many Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 4-6 sandwiches, depending on the size of your buns and how much chicken you use per sandwich. If feeding a crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients.
Q: What should I do if the coating on my fried chicken isn’t as crispy as I’d like?
A: Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) and that you’re not overcrowding the pan. You can also try dipping the chicken in the buttermilk brine and re-breading it for an extra-crunchy coating.
Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich – a mouthwatering creation with crispy, golden-brown fried chicken drizzled in a sweet and spicy honey glaze, all nestled between soft, toasted buns.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce
– 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
Instructions
1. – Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. – Dredge the seasoned chicken in the all-purpose flour, coating both sides.
3. – In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. – Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. – In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce.
6. – Drizzle the honey-hot sauce mixture over the fried chicken.
7. – Assemble the sandwiches by placing the honey-glazed fried chicken on the toasted brioche buns.
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, double-fry the chicken by returning it to the hot oil for an additional 1-2 minutes after the initial fry. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey glaze.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into a piping hot, perfectly crispy Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich. The combination of juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, tangy pickles, and that irresistible sweet and spicy hot honey topping is truly out of this world.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Let me know in the comments below how your Viral Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwiches turn out, and don’t forget to share this delicious creation with your friends and family. Enjoy!
