Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Homemade Wendy’s Copycat Recipe

Prepare for an explosion of flavor with this incredible hot honey chicken sandwich! Imagine a perfectly crispy chicken patty, generously coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, nestled between two soft, fluffy burger buns. It’s perfectly balanced with the refreshing crunch of pickles and a cool, creamy homemade coleslaw. Forget the drive-thru; this homemade version doesn’t just rival fast-food favorites like Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich – it truly surpasses them, offering a burst of fresh flavors and satisfying textures you can’t get anywhere else.

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, you absolutely must try my spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and this spot-on copycat Quizno’s Baja Chicken Sandwich. They’re perfect for expanding your repertoire of thrilling sandwich experiences!

While we occasionally indulge in our favorite fast-food sandwiches, this homemade hot honey chicken sandwich has truly captured our hearts. It offers an unparalleled flavor experience that simply can’t be matched by anything from a drive-thru. Each bite is packed with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, without any of the mystery ingredients often found in commercially prepared foods. I meticulously craft the hot honey from scratch using just a few simple pantry staples: golden honey, vibrant crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne for extra heat, and a splash of tangy vinegar. This homemade hot honey not only tastes infinitely better but also stores beautifully in your pantry for months, making it effortlessly ready to transform any chicken sandwich into a gourmet delight whenever a craving strikes. It’s a simple, fresh, and irresistibly delicious recipe that will quickly become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Adore This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

• Bold, Balanced Flavor. These crispy hot honey chicken sandwiches are a culinary masterpiece, delivering a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The chicken boasts a delightful kick from the spicy honey, which is perfectly complemented and cooled by the refreshing, crunchy, and creamy homemade coleslaw. This balance creates an unforgettable taste sensation that hits all the right notes!
• Irresistible Satisfying Crunch. One of the highlights of this sandwich is its incredible texture. I love making this sandwich with my favorite frozen fried chicken cutlets because their crispiness is simply irresistible. This is beautifully paired with the tangy snap of crisp pickles and the vibrant crunch of fresh cabbage in the coleslaw, ensuring every bite is loaded with satisfying texture.
• Endless Customization Options. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Once your hot honey and perfectly cooked chicken patty are ready, the possibilities for assembly are endless. You can personalize your sandwich by dressing your buns with creamy mayonnaise (or even a rich homemade mayo!), experimenting with different types of slaw, adding a slice of your favorite cheese, or incorporating other delicious toppings. Make it uniquely yours!
• Healthier & Fresher Than Fast Food. By making this sandwich at home, you gain complete control over the ingredients. You can choose high-quality chicken, fresh vegetables for your coleslaw, and avoid unwanted additives or excessive sodium often found in fast-food alternatives. It’s a cleaner, more wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal. Despite its gourmet taste, this hot honey chicken sandwich is surprisingly easy to prepare, especially if you use pre-cooked frozen chicken patties. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Exactly Is a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich?

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Wendy’s famous Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, then you already know the irresistible fast-food inspiration behind this delightful recipe! Their popular version features a perfectly crispy fried chicken filet generously coated in a zesty, sweet, and spicy hot honey sauce. It’s traditionally layered with creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and crunchy pickles, all served within a soft, fluffy bun.

My homemade recipe takes that delicious concept and elevates it, offering a slightly lighter yet equally flavorful experience. Instead of bacon and cheese, I opt for a vibrant, cool, and creamy homemade coleslaw, which beautifully cuts through the richness and spice of the hot honey chicken, adding an extra layer of freshness and crunch. Of course, the beauty of making it yourself is that you have complete freedom to customize! Feel free to dress your chicken sandwich exactly how you like it. I’ll even share some more easy topping ideas later on to inspire your culinary creativity!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

I absolutely love how quickly this hot honey sandwich comes together, making it an ideal choice for a delicious weeknight meal that requires just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: you can use virtually any type of chicken you prefer. Below, you’ll find my detailed notes on ingredient choices, and for a complete, printable list with precise measurements, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card.

• Chicken Filets – The star of the show! For ultimate convenience, you can use frozen, pre-cooked crispy chicken filets, which simply need to be heated. However, for a truly homemade touch, feel free to prepare your own. You can use raw chicken breasts, either frying them for a classic crispy texture (following the instructions for my boneless chicken wings, but with whole breasts) or grilling them for a lighter, healthier option, as demonstrated in my grilled chicken sandwich recipe. Another fantastic option is to use the breaded chicken from my air fryer crispy chicken sandwich for a perfectly crisp finish with less oil.
• Coleslaw – This provides the essential cool, creamy, and crunchy contrast to the spicy chicken. My personal favorite is my homemade coleslaw, which is incredibly simple to make and tastes fantastic. It’s not just for this fried chicken sandwich; it’s also a perfect accompaniment for everything from pulled pork sandwiches to fish tacos.
• Pickles – Thinly sliced pickles are crucial for adding a tangy, briny counterpoint to the sweetness and heat of the honey. Whether you prefer the sweet and tangy notes of bread and butter pickles or the classic sour kick of dill pickles, choose your favorite. If pickles aren’t your thing, you can easily omit them without compromising the overall deliciousness.
• Buns – While classic hamburger buns work wonderfully, don’t limit yourself! The choice of bun can significantly impact the sandwich experience. Brioche buns offer a rich, slightly sweet, and soft texture, while pretzel buns provide a unique chewy bite and savory flavor. Ciabatta rolls or other artisanal sandwich rolls can also be excellent choices. Consider lightly toasting your buns for an extra layer of texture and warmth.
• Hot Honey – This is the magic ingredient that gives the sandwich its signature sweet and spicy profile. Hot honey is essentially honey infused with chili, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and heat. You can find excellent ready-made jars of hot honey in most well-stocked grocery stores (like Mike’s Hot Honey). However, making your own at home is incredibly simple, economical, and allows you to customize the spice level to your exact preference. You’ll find my easy homemade hot honey recipe detailed below and in the recipe card!

Crafting Your Own Spicy Hot Honey

While there are indeed many fantastic store-bought hot honey options available on the market, I consistently return to this incredibly simple and quick homemade hot honey recipe. It requires just a handful of basic pantry ingredients, yet it delivers an amazing depth of flavor that perfectly complements this chicken sandwich. Plus, any leftover hot honey is wonderfully versatile – I often use it to create delectable hot honey chicken bites or drizzle it over pizza, cornbread, or even roasted vegetables. Here’s how to whip up your own batch:

1. Combine Ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine your choice of honey with a generous amount of crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne pepper. The red pepper flakes provide visual appeal and immediate heat, while cayenne adds a deeper, more pervasive spice.
2. Gentle Simmer. Place the saucepan over low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This low and slow cooking process allows the chili flavors to deeply infuse into the honey without burning the spices or the honey.
3. Stir in Vinegar. Once the simmering time is complete, remove the honey from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. The vinegar isn’t just for thinning; its acidity brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness and heat, creating a more complex and well-rounded glaze.
4. Optional Straining for Milder Heat. If you prefer a slightly milder heat and a smoother texture, you have the option to strain the honey. Simply pass it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pepper flakes. This also makes for a cleaner glaze. However, if you’re a true heat lover and enjoy the textural element of the pepper flakes, feel free to leave them in for an extra spicy kick!

Storage Tip: Any leftover homemade hot honey can be stored in an airtight jar at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as your pantry, and it will maintain its delicious flavor and quality for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for having on hand whenever a sweet-and-spicy craving strikes!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Assemble Your Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Once your hot honey is ready and your chicken is cooked to perfection, assembling this sensational sandwich is quick and easy. Follow these steps for the ultimate hot honey chicken experience. For detailed, printable instructions, refer to the recipe card conveniently located below this post.

• Prepare the Chicken. Begin by cooking your chicken exactly how you like it – whether you’re air frying frozen patties, pan-frying fresh chicken breasts, or grilling them for a healthier option. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and, if fried, perfectly crispy. While the chicken cooks, if you’re making your hot honey from scratch, now is the ideal time to whisk it together following the instructions above.
• Generously Coat the Chicken. Once your chicken is piping hot and ready, it’s time for the star treatment. Using a pastry brush, generously apply the warm hot honey glaze over all sides of the chicken patty. Make sure to coat it thoroughly, allowing the sweet and spicy goodness to seep into every crevice. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
• Assemble with Care. Now for the grand finale! Place your hot, honey-coated chicken patty onto a fluffy burger bun. Layer it with a generous portion of your cool and crunchy coleslaw, followed by a few slices of tangy pickles. For an extra boost of flavor and a beautiful sheen, I highly recommend drizzling your assembled sandwich with an additional amount of leftover hot honey. Serve immediately and savor every delicious moment!
• Toast Your Buns (Optional but Recommended). For an elevated sandwich experience, lightly toast your burger buns before assembly. This adds a subtle crunch, prevents the buns from getting soggy, and brings out their inherent sweetness, providing an even better foundation for your hot honey chicken.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Sandwich

One of the best things about this hot honey chicken sandwich is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Get creative and make it your own with these delicious variations:

• Alternative Dressings. Not everyone loves a spicy kick! If hot honey isn’t your preferred flavor profile, you can easily swap it out for other delicious coatings. Try a tangy homemade barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet twist, or a creamy, herby ranch dressing for a milder, cooling sensation.
• Add a Cheesy Layer. For an extra layer of richness and flavor, mimic the Wendy’s version by adding a slice of cheese. Pepper Jack cheese is fantastic for an added hint of spice that complements the hot honey beautifully. Alternatively, American, cheddar, or provolone cheese slices work just as well – simply place them over the hot chicken patty so they melt into a gooey, delicious layer.
• Crispy Bacon Upgrade. To truly replicate the indulgence of the original fast-food inspiration, don’t hesitate to add some crispy bacon. A few strips of perfectly cooked air fryer bacon layered on top of the chicken will add a smoky, savory crunch that is simply irresistible.
• Go Bunless for a Lighter Meal. If you’re watching your carb intake or simply prefer a lighter option, skip the bun entirely! Hot honey chicken topped with a generous serving of homemade slaw is incredibly delicious and satisfying on its own. You can serve it as a salad, perhaps over a bed of mixed greens, for a refreshing and low-carb meal.
• Fresh Veggie Boost. Enhance the freshness and crunch by adding extra vegetables. Slices of ripe tomato, crisp lettuce leaves, or thinly sliced red onion can add more layers of flavor and texture, turning your sandwich into a more wholesome and vibrant meal.
• Extra Sauce Drizzle. Don’t be shy with the sauce! A final drizzle of extra hot honey, or even a different complementary sauce like a creamy sriracha mayo or a simple garlic aioli, can elevate the flavor profile even further.

Perfect Serving Suggestions for Your Meal

While this hot honey chicken sandwich is undeniably a hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, sometimes it’s nice to complete the experience with a delicious side (or two!). When I’m looking to add a little something extra, I often turn to these tried-and-true accompaniments:

• Classic French Fries. For a classic, comforting diner-style meal, a batch of crispy frozen French fries cooked in the air fryer is always a hit. The savory, salty fries are the perfect contrast to the sweet and spicy sandwich.
• Light and Fresh Salad. If you prefer something lighter to balance the richness of the chicken, a simple tossed salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing crunch and a healthy counterpoint.
• Creamy Potato Salad. A scoop of creamy potato salad is another fantastic choice, adding a cool, starchy side that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the sandwich.
• Flavorful Pasta Salad. For a side with a bit more zest, my savory dill pickle pasta salad brings a delightful tang and a different texture to the table, making for a truly memorable meal.
• Sweet Potato Fries. For a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries offer a delicious complement to the hot honey.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While this hot honey chicken sandwich is definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely save components for later! Proper storage and reheating will help maintain quality, though some crispiness may be lost.

• Refrigerate Components Separately. I highly recommend storing any leftover fried chicken patties separately from the other sandwich ingredients. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. The homemade coleslaw should also be stored in a separate airtight container. The chicken will naturally lose some of its crispiness over time, and coleslaw tends to get a bit watery, so it’s best to enjoy both as soon as possible, ideally within 2-3 days.
• Reheating Chicken for Crispiness. To bring your chicken patties back to their crispy best, avoid the microwave if possible. The best method for reheating is in the oven: preheat to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and crispy. An air fryer is another excellent option; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Assemble Fresh. Once your chicken is perfectly reheated, assemble your sandwich as usual with fresh buns, coleslaw, and pickles. A fresh drizzle of hot honey can revive all the flavors!

More Delightful Sandwich Recipes to Explore

If you loved this hot honey chicken sandwich, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of easy sandwich recipes is packed with other incredible options that are perfect for any meal, whether it’s a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Here are a few more favorites you should definitely try:

• Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: A warm, gooey, and utterly delicious take on classic chicken parmesan, pressed into a perfect panini.
• Cheesy Steak Sandwich: Loaded with tender steak and melted cheese, this sandwich is pure comfort food.
• Sausage Breakfast Sandwich: Start your day right with a hearty and flavorful breakfast sandwich.
• Turkey Club Sandwich: A timeless classic, layered with fresh ingredients and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 5 voters

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

By Erin Sellin

This hot honey chicken sandwich has crispy chicken coated with spicy honey, sandwiched between fluffy burger buns with pickles and a cool and crunchy homemade coleslaw.

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 25 mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

• 4 frozen chicken breast filets, see note
• 2 cups Coleslaw
• Pickle slices
• 4 hamburger buns

Hot Honey

• ½ cup honey
• 1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven or air fryer and cook chicken according to package directions.
   4 frozen chicken breast filets
2. Meanwhile, mix together honey, crushed red pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   ½ cup honey, 1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar.
   ½ teaspoon cider vinegar
4. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar. This step is optional; if you like things extra hot or enjoy the texture, you can omit this step and let the peppers continue to infuse the honey.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, brush each side generously with the hot honey.
6. Assemble sandwiches by topping each bun with a piece of coated chicken, about ½ cup of coleslaw, and sliced pickles. Drizzle with more hot honey if desired.
   2 cups Coleslaw, 4 hamburger buns, Pickle slices

Notes

• You can use any chicken you’d like. Grilled chicken breast works great if you don’t want it fried. Want to make your own fried chicken patty? Follow the cooking instructions for my boneless chicken wings using a whole chicken breast instead.
• The hot honey will have a nice, subtle heat after you pour it through a strainer. If you prefer it hot, don’t strain.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

• Calories: 521 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 53g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.03g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 515mg
• Potassium: 1012mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 39g
• Vitamin A: 748 IU
• Vitamin C: 16mg
• Calcium: 97mg
• Iron: 3mg

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 521

Keyword: hot honey chicken sandwich