There’s something about the combination of crispy fried chicken, rich honey butter, and the softness of a brioche bun that makes a Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a weekend treat or a quick weeknight dinner, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot. The crispy chicken, marinated to perfection, paired with a sweet and savory honey butter spread, makes for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delicious recipe, step-by-step, along with some tips and tricks for the perfect crispy sandwich.

What Makes These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches So Special?

The magic of a Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The fried chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the honey butter adds a silky, sweet richness that complements the savory spices of the chicken perfectly. The soft, toasted brioche bun serves as the perfect vessel to hold all these delicious elements together, while the lettuce and pickles provide a burst of freshness and tang.

If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with flavor, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering sandwich from scratch!

Ingredients for Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You want thick, juicy chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure that your sandwich has a hearty bite.
1 cup buttermilk: The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, giving it a soft texture while also enhancing the flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flour: This will create the crispy coating for the chicken.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor that complements the other seasonings.
1 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for adding savory depth.
1 tsp onion powder: This gives a slight sweetness and flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
½ tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness of the honey butter.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the chicken coating.
½ tsp black pepper: For a subtle hint of sharpness.

For Frying:

1 cup vegetable oil: For frying the chicken and creating a golden, crispy coating.

For the Sandwich:

4 brioche hamburger buns: These buns are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding your crispy chicken without falling apart.
4 tbsp honey butter: Mix softened butter with honey for a rich, sweet spread that perfectly complements the savory fried chicken.
Lettuce and pickles: For freshness and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches

Making these Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy-to-follow steps to create a mouthwatering meal your whole family will love!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or for best results, leave it overnight. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful when fried.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the flour mixture for the coating. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed in the flour. This seasoned flour will give the chicken a flavorful, crispy crust when fried.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the chicken is fully coated. The flour mixture should cling to the chicken, forming a thick, even layer. Make sure to coat both sides thoroughly for the crispiest result.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. This ensures the chicken fries up golden and crispy without absorbing too much oil. Depending on your skillet size, you may need to fry the chicken in batches.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

Now, it’s time to assemble your Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich. Spread honey butter on both halves of the brioche buns. The honey butter should be soft and spreadable, providing a sweet and creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.

Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun, and then top with a few leaves of lettuce and pickles for crunch and tang. Cover with the top half of the bun, and your sandwich is ready to be devoured.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the sandwiches while they’re still warm, and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and savory combination in every bite. These sandwiches are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or a casual get-together with friends and family.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches

While making these Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches is fairly straightforward, a few tips can help elevate the recipe to perfection.

1. Marinate the Chicken Overnight for Maximum Flavor

While you can marinate the chicken for as little as one hour, marinating it overnight allows the buttermilk to penetrate the chicken more deeply, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful piece of chicken.

2. Use Fresh Oil for Frying

Frying the chicken in fresh vegetable oil ensures that the coating becomes perfectly crispy without absorbing too much oil. If the oil is too old, it might impart an off-flavor to your chicken.

3. Don’t Skip the Honey Butter

The honey butter is what makes this sandwich truly special. Don’t be tempted to use plain butter—mixing honey with butter creates the perfect sweet-and-savory balance. For an extra touch, you can melt the honey butter and drizzle it over the chicken once assembled.

4. Experiment with Additional Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your sandwich toppings! You can add cheese, such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a spicy kick. Other options like tomatoes or sautéed onions can add more flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information for Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches

While these sandwiches are undeniably delicious, they are also indulgent. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content for one sandwich (with no additional toppings):

Calories: 650-700 kcal
Protein: 30-35 g
Fat: 30-35 g
Carbohydrates: 60-65 g
Fiber: 2-3 g
Sodium: 800-1000 mg

To make the sandwich a bit lighter, consider using a smaller bun or skipping the honey butter for a less rich version.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love these Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches, you’ll definitely want to try out these similar recipes that are just as delicious and satisfying!

FAQs for Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches

1. Can I make the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can make certain components of this sandwich in advance to save time on busy days. You can marinate the chicken overnight, prepare the honey butter, and even fry the chicken ahead of time. Store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven to keep it crispy. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the best experience.

2. Can I substitute the buttermilk in this recipe?

Buttermilk is key to tenderizing the chicken and giving it that rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. While this substitution won’t give exactly the same flavor, it will work well to help tenderize the chicken and create a similar effect.

3. Can I make these sandwiches spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a spicy kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mixture to your taste. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a spicy mayonnaise to the sandwich for extra heat. For an added layer of flavor, try topping the chicken with pickled jalapeños or a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it if you want a lighter option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. While it won’t have the same crispy texture as frying, baking is a healthier alternative and still delicious!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches

There’s no denying that Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches are a game-changer. With their crispy, juicy chicken and the perfect balance of sweet honey butter and savory spices, these sandwiches hit all the right notes. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, and the recipe is simple enough for anyone to make at home. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and prepare to enjoy one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever taste.

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches in 30 Minutes

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches are everything you crave in a comfort food classic—ultra crispy buttermilk-fried chicken tucked into buttery brioche buns and slathered with sweet honey butter. Juicy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for dinner, game days, or whenever you need an indulgent pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
4 brioche hamburger buns
4 tbsp honey butter (softened butter mixed with honey)
Lettuce and pickles (for serving)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in buttermilk and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for extra tenderness).
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mix, pressing the coating on firmly.
Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry Until Golden: Carefully place chicken in the hot oil. Fry 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Build Your Sandwich: Toast brioche buns, then spread both sides with honey butter. Add fried chicken, lettuce, and pickles.
Serve & Devour: Serve immediately while warm and crispy!

Notes

For extra spicy chicken, double the cayenne or add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Baked version: Bake chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
1 hour:
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sandwich, Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: crispy honey butter chicken sandwiches, fried chicken sandwich, brioche chicken sandwich, buttermilk chicken, homemade chicken sandwich