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–+ servings
A golden, crispy fried chicken sandwich drizzled with spicy hot honey, topped with crispy maple-glazed bacon and fresh lettuce, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun. The sandwich is served on a wooden plate, with hot honey dripping onto the parchment paper beneath. A side of crispy fries and a cold drink sit in the softly blurred background, enhancing the irresistible, indulgent presentation.
Ella Cooks

Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Maple Bacon

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This Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate sweet, spicy, and crispy indulgence! Featuring juicy buttermilk-fried chicken drizzled with sticky hot honey, layered with crispy maple-glazed bacon, and served on a buttery brioche bun with creamy garlic mayo. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch, spice, sweetness, and richness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Fried Chicken:
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts halved to make 4 fillets
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp hot sauce optional for extra heat
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra spice
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey:
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp butter optional for extra richness
For the Crispy Maple Bacon:
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For the Garlic Mayo:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp honey
For Assembling the Sandwich:
  • 4 brioche buns toasted
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices dill pickles

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
    Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness
    1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
    2. Submerge chicken fillets and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
    Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Maple Bacon
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Arrange bacon slices on the sheet and brush with maple syrup.
    3. Sprinkle with black pepper and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and crispy.
    4. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
    Step 3: Coat & Fry the Chicken
    1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
    2. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
    3. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure a thick, even coating.
    4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
    5. Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels!) for maximum crispiness.
    Step 4: Make the Hot Honey
    1. In a saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter over low heat.
    2. Stir until warm and combined, about 1-2 minutes.
    Step 5: Make the Garlic Mayo
    1. Mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl.
    2. Chill until ready to use.
    Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
    1. Toast the brioche buns until golden.
    2. Spread garlic mayo on both sides.
    3. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun.
    4. Add crispy fried chicken and drizzle generously with hot honey.
    5. Layer with maple-glazed bacon and pickles.
    6. Top with the brioche bun, press lightly, and serve immediately!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 780kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 48gFat: 40g

    Notes

    Want a Healthier Version?
    ✔ Air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying.
    ✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the garlic sauce.
    ✔ Swap turkey bacon for a leaner option.

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