Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich recipe. It’s the perfect blend of heat and sweet, offering a flavorful crunch that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a delicious dinner, this sandwich brings excitement to any table. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook bacon on a parchment-lined sheet pan for approximately 25 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon, drain excess grease, and set it aside.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for a few minutes on each side, ensuring a nice brown crust forms.
- Drizzle hot honey over the seared chicken pieces and place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on top of each. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the chicken bakes, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet to toast the buns until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a piece of chicken on each bun, followed by 1-2 strips of bacon, an additional drizzle of hot honey, and some dill pickles. Optionally, add lettuce or other preferred toppings.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately, pairing them with sides such as air fryer potato wedges, fries, salad, or baked macaroni and cheese if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Hot honey (such as Mike’s)
- 4 sandwich buns
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- Pepper Jack cheese slices
- Dill pickles
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches?
- Absolutely! While Pepper Jack cheese is recommended for its spicy kick, you can substitute it with cheddar or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
- What can I serve alongside these sandwiches?
- These sandwiches pair well with air fryer potato wedges, fries, a fresh salad, or even baked macaroni and cheese.
- Can I use a different brand of Hot Honey?
- Yes, you can use any brand of Hot Honey that you prefer. Mike’s Hot Honey is a popular choice, but feel free to try others.
- Is there an alternative to Hot Honey for kids who might find it too spicy?
- For a milder version, you can use regular honey instead of Hot Honey to suit kids’ palates.
- How do I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
- Use an internal meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Chicken Thickness: For even cooking and better texture, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner before seasoning and searing.
- Use an Internal Meat Thermometer: Always check that the chicken reaches at least 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Customize the Heat Level: If you’re serving kids or those who prefer less spice, consider using regular honey instead of hot honey to cater to milder taste buds.
- Experiment with Cheese Options: While Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice spice, feel free to substitute with cheddar or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
Equipment
- Skillet – A quality large skillet for searing the chicken.
- Oven-safe Pan – If the skillet isn’t oven-safe, you might need a separate pan to finish cooking the chicken in the oven.
- Baking Sheet – For cooking bacon in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – For easy cleanup when baking bacon.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hot Honey – Such as Mike’s Hot Honey, if not available locally.