Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers have a special place in my heart. They started as an experiment in my kitchen, where I wanted to mix sweet and spicy flavors for a quick dinner. The idea came to life when I marinated chicken in a mix of honey, hot sauce, and spices. The first bite was unforgettable—juicy, sweet, spicy, and smoky. Since then, Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers have become a family favorite, often requested for casual dinners or weekend grilling sessions.
A Recipe Born from Curiosity
It all began on a warm summer evening when I craved something more exciting than plain grilled chicken. I thought, why not add some bold flavors? I whisked together honey, hot sauce, garlic, and paprika for the marinade. The chicken soaked in this mix for 30 minutes, absorbing every bit of flavor. Once grilled, the golden caramelization from the honey paired beautifully with the spicy kick. I layered the chicken onto soft buns with fresh lettuce, pickles, and a tangy slaw, and Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers were born.
Perfecting the Pairings
Over time, I’ve experimented with toppings to find the perfect balance. A dollop of creamy mayo or ranch dressing cools down the heat, while thinly sliced red onions and pickles add crunch. Sometimes, I swap the regular bun for brioche or pretzel buns for an extra layer of flavor. Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers are endlessly adaptable—you can even add a slice of melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese to make them extra indulgent.
Bring People Together
What I love most about Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers is how they bring people together. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy dinner, these burgers always spark conversation. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing. The mix of sweet and spicy is like a little surprise in every bite, and it’s a recipe I hope will become a favorite in your home too. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers
- Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is completely dry before breading to achieve a perfectly crispy coating.
- Even Slicing: Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking times. If necessary, use a meat mallet to gently flatten thicker pieces.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper in the breading or the heat level of the hot honey to suit your spice tolerance.
- Preheat for Success: Always preheat your oven, skillet, or air fryer to guarantee optimal results. A hot cooking surface helps create a crisp exterior quickly.
- Rest After Cooking: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before glazing and assembling.
- Homemade Hot Honey: Make your own hot honey by mixing ⅓ cup of honey with 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes, then gently warming it for enhanced flavor.
- Topping Choices: Experiment with different toppings, such as coleslaw, avocado slices, or spicy mayo, to create variations that suit your taste.
- Gluten-Free Adaptations: If using gluten-free flour, consider adding a pinch of xanthan gum to the breading mixture for better adhesion.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When frying or air-frying, cook the chicken in batches to prevent steaming and ensure a crisp coating.
Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers
4
burgers15
minutes20
minutes434
kcal35
minutesGet ready to elevate your dinner with these irresistible Crispy Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers! Imagine perfectly crunchy chicken exterior, juicy and tender inside, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey glaze that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re a busy weeknight chef or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Top it off with crunchy pickles and vibrant red onions for the ultimate sandwich experience. Dive into a meal that’s both satisfying and sensational – your new favorite burger awaits!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced horizontally
- Breading Mixture
1.5 cups all-purpose or gluten-free flour blend
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried onion flakes
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
- Egg Wash
2 large eggs beaten
- Cooking Essentials
1 tsp vegetable oil additional as needed for frying
- Sweet Spicy Glaze
0.33 cup hot honey additional to taste
- Sandwich Assembly
sliced dill pickles
thinly sliced red onions
your choice of hamburger buns
- Alternative Ingredients:
All-purpose flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Eggs: Replace with a flaxseed mixture for an egg-free alternative.
Vegetable oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
Hot honey: Create by mixing regular honey with chili flakes.
Hamburger buns: Replace with lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Pickles: Substitute with banana peppers for a different tang.
Red onions: Use sweet onions or shallots as an alternative.
Directions
- Preparing the Breading: Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion flakes, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper in a large shallow bowl. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices. This seasoned mixture will create a flavorful crust for the chicken.
- Egg Coating: In a separate shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. This egg wash helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy coating. (Prep Time: 2 minutes)
- Preparing the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture. (Prep Time: 5 minutes)
- Breading the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to secure the coating, and place the breaded pieces onto a prepared baking sheet. Continue until all chicken pieces are breaded. (Prep Time: 5 minutes)
- Cooking the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Air Frying: Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 12-14 minutes. Skillet-Frying: Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked. (Cook Time: 20 minutes)
- Glazing and Assembly: Once the chicken is cooked, generously drizzle hot honey over both sides of each piece while still hot. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the glazed chicken on toasted buns, adding mayonnaise, pickles, and red onion slices or your preferred toppings. Optionally, add cheese or lettuce for extra flavor and texture. (Assembly Time: 5 minutes)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- air fryer
- Cast Iron Skillet
Notes
- To achieve the crispiest coating, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before breading. For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for an hour prior to cooking. Serve these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad. For an extra kick, mix some sriracha into the mayonnaise. Feel free to experiment with different toppings like avocado slices or coleslaw to customize your sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 434kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before cooking. This allows the breading to adhere better.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Lightly butter or oil the buns and toast them in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. This adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
How can I make this dish kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper in the breading and opt for regular honey instead of hot honey for a milder flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add more juiciness to the burger. Adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take longer to cook.
What sides pair well with these burgers?
Great sides include sweet potato fries, coleslaw, a simple green salad, or even roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, serve with a cucumber and tomato salad.
