Description
This Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey is a flavorful, crispy chicken sandwich featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Paired with creamy Dijon mayo, fresh lettuce, and crunchy pickles on a soft brioche bun, this sandwich delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and texture for a delicious handheld meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
Sandwich Fixings
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices of pickle
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken thighs in the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then thoroughly coat each thigh in panko breadcrumbs for crispy texture.
- Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make Honey Glaze: While the chicken bakes, gently warm honey and hot sauce together in a small saucepan over low heat until the mixture is warmed through and slightly combined—do not boil.
- Prepare Mayo Spread: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. This will add a creamy, tangy layer to the sandwich.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Toast the brioche buns until golden and slightly crisp. Spread a generous layer of the mayo-Dijon mixture on the bottom bun, add shredded lettuce, then the crispy baked chicken thighs. Top each chicken piece with pickle slices and drizzle the warm honey glaze over the chicken. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) will enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey glaze to control the spice level according to your taste.
- To make this sandwich gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs and brioche buns with gluten-free alternatives.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, baked chicken sandwich, honey hot sauce, spicy fried chicken, crispy chicken sandwich, buttermilk chicken, brioche bun sandwich
