Mcdonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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The crispy, golden chicken paired with that perfectly balanced spicy-sweet hot honey glaze? Pure heaven. Unfortunately, as tantalizing as it was, this iconic McDonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich was only available for a limited time, leaving many of us craving for more.

How to make McDonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

The McDonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a limited-time chicken sandwich from McDonald’s that puts a sweet-and-spicy twist on their classic crispy chicken offering.

Ingredients

For the crispy chicken fillet:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to equal thickness)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt diluted with milk)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Vegetable oil or neutral oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha, depending on your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

For assembly:

• 2 brioche buns (or plain burger buns, toasted)
• Pickle slices (optional, for contrast and tanginess)
• A touch of mayonnaise (if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Submerge the chicken breasts in buttermilk and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
2. Make the dredging mix: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Bread the chicken: After marinating, let the excess buttermilk drip off the chicken and coat each fillet in the dredging mix thoroughly. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the right temperature will give you a perfectly crispy texture without greasiness.
2. Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and butter. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter melts and the flavors meld together.
2. Adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes, depending on your taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast the brioche buns lightly in a pan or oven for added flavor.
2. Spread a light layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun (optional for extra creaminess).
3. Place the fried chicken fillet on the bun. Generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken.
4. Add pickle slices for tangy contrast (highly recommended!).
5. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Marination is key: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade—it guarantees juicy and tender chicken every time.
• Double-breading trick: For extra-crispy texture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk (after the first dredging) and coat it again with the flour mix.
• Control spice levels: The hot honey sauce is versatile—dial down the heat for a milder version or crank it up with more cayenne and hot sauce.
• Use fresh oil: Old, reused oil can affect the flavor and texture of the chicken, so opt for fresh oil for frying.
• Don’t skip the pickles: The tangy crunch pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey sauce and balances the flavor.

What to serve with

The McDonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a flavorful treat that combines sweet, spicy, and crispy elements into one satisfying bite.

• Crispy French Fries: You can never go wrong with golden, salty fries! Serve them hot, and, for extra flavor, sprinkle with seasoned salt or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—be it ketchup, ranch, or more of the hot honey sauce from your sandwich. If you want a healthier alternative, go for baked sweet potato fries to bring out complementary hints of sweetness.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy slaw is the perfect addition to balance the heat and sweetness of your sandwich. Make your own coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The cool crunch of the coleslaw will contrast beautifully with the crispy chicken fillet.
• Onion Rings: Another fried side that pairs amazingly well with chicken sandwiches! These crispy, golden rings add extra indulgence to your meal.
• Pickle Chips: Step up the pickle game with fried pickle chips! The tanginess of the pickles combined with a crunchy coating makes them an irresistible snack alongside your sandwich.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating McDonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich at home can be fun, but sometimes you might not have access to certain ingredients. Don’t worry—there are plenty of substitutes available that can deliver equally delicious results!

1. Chicken Breast

• Chicken thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re perfect for frying because they stay tender even after cooking.
• Ground chicken: Shape into patties if you prefer a consistency closer to a breaded burger.
• Turkey breast: A lean substitute that works similarly to chicken breast.

2. Buttermilk (Marinade)

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a sticky base for the crispy coating. If you don’t have buttermilk at home, try these substitutes:

• Yogurt and milk: Combine ½ cup plain yogurt with ½ cup milk to mimic the acidity and consistency of buttermilk.
• Milk and lemon/vinegar: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes to curdle slightly before using.
• Almond milk and vinegar: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice (in the same ratio).

3. All-Purpose Flour (Breading)

• Whole wheat flour: A healthier alternative that still works for breading.
• Panko breadcrumbs: For an ultra-crispy texture, replace flour with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with spices.
• Gluten-free flour: Use almond flour, rice flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
• Cornmeal: Offers a unique crunch and works well for a Southern-inspired twist.

4. Cornstarch (For Extra Crispiness)

• Potato starch: Works just as well as cornstarch to create a crispy, light coating.
• Rice flour: An excellent substitute for adding crispiness, especially for a gluten-free option.

5. Seasoning Spices

Feel free to adjust your spice mix based on what you have:

• Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika or chili powder if you don’t have the smoky variety.
• Cayenne pepper: Substitute with red chili flakes or chili powder to add a punch of heat.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Replace these with fresh minced garlic and grated onion if you prefer a more natural flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pair your McDonald’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich with one or more of these sides and accompaniments to create a flavorful, well-rounded meal that’s perfect for casual dinners, game days, or simply indulging in fast-food-inspired cravings!

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Copycat Culver’s Walleye Sandwich Recipe