Name: Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Canola oil, for frying; 5 boneless chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning (adjust to taste); Seasoned Flour:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning; Dredging:; 1 cup buttermilk; Honey Butter:; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; To Serve:; 5 toasted sandwich buns; Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, cheese, lettuce

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A honey butter fried chicken sandwich is the kind of comfort food that hits every craving at once—crispy, juicy chicken tucked into a toasted bun, finished with a glossy coating of sweet honey butter. The balance of salty, savory, and sweet makes it an unforgettable sandwich that I could eat any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this sandwich because it’s full of flavor from start to finish. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, the flour and buttermilk dredge ensures that the crust is golden and crisp, and the honey butter brings just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices. I also love that I can easily adjust the heat—sometimes I go bold with cayenne, and other times I keep it smoky with chipotle. It feels like a restaurant-worthy sandwich made right in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Canola oil for frying
Boneless chicken thighs
Salt
Ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning

Seasoned flour:

All-purpose flour
Salt
Ground black pepper
Cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning

Dredging:

Buttermilk

Honey Butter:

Unsalted butter
Honey

Directions

Heat canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (or chipotle).
In a bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, add the buttermilk.
Dredge the chicken: coat each thigh in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat again in flour. Repeat for all pieces.
Fry chicken in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
Make the honey butter: in a small pot, melt butter with honey, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Brush or spoon the honey butter over the fried chicken.
Serve on toasted buns with toppings of choice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 5 sandwiches. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so in roughly 40 minutes, I have a full batch of crispy honey butter chicken sandwiches ready to enjoy.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but I make sure to pound them thin for tenderness. If I want a spicier kick, I double up on cayenne. When I’m craving extra tang, I add pickle juice to the buttermilk soak. For toppings, I like layering in coleslaw or pickles for crunch, or even a slice of cheese for indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place it on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven until hot and crisp again. I don’t recommend microwaving because it softens the crust. The honey butter can be stored separately in the fridge and gently reheated on the stovetop before brushing on again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I can use chicken breasts, but I make sure to pound them evenly so they cook tender and don’t dry out.

What kind of oil works best for frying?

I like using canola or peanut oil because both handle high heat well and give the chicken a crisp finish.

Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, I can cook it in an air fryer at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, though the crust won’t be quite the same as frying in oil.

What toppings go well with this sandwich?

I like adding pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or cheese. The fresh crunch balances the richness of the honey butter chicken.

Can I make the honey butter ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. I just reheat it gently before brushing it onto the chicken.

Conclusion

This honey butter fried chicken sandwich is everything I want in comfort food—crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet all in one bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to impress family or guests. Every time I make it, I find myself wondering why I don’t do it more often.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich