Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches on the Grill
On February 10, 2025
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My Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are tender chicken breasts seasoned with Spicy Sweet Rub and grilled to a juicy, saucy finish you can’t beat.
Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Life is all about balance, and this Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is the perfect balance between hot and sweet. It all starts with giving thick, juicy chicken breasts a dusting of my Spicy Sweet Rub. With savory garlic and onion powders and a kick of cayenne heat, this stuff is chicken’s best friend. As if that wasn’t enough, a drizzle of my Hot Honey BBQ Sauce gives your chicken a luscious layer of sticky heat. What could be better?
How about the fact that you can grill some up right in your own backyard in half an hour. So grab some Hot Honey BBQ Sauce and Spicy Sweet Rub in the Hey Grill Hey Store (or whip up your own at home), fire up that grill, and let’s make some chicken sandwiches.
The Best Chicken for Sandwiches
When I’m grilling chicken for sandwiches, I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Not only do they grill up quickly, but they’re super meaty. Because of their mild, sweet flavor, they also showcase the seasonings you use. To help you find quality chicken breasts to use for your sandwiches, here are some handy tips:
- Pink color. Look for chicken breasts with a slightly pink color.
- Solid condition. While checking the chicken, look for breasts without any bruising or ripping.
- Some bounce. Pick the package up and squeeze the chicken. You want chicken that regains shape in a couple seconds.
Chicken thighs are also a great option for sandwiches, if you prefer that cut. I’ve got an awesome recipe for grilled chicken thighs, which also works great here. Trust me, with my homemade rub and sauce, you can nail any cut of chicken.
Spicy Sweet Rub
My Spicy Sweet Rub uses a unique blend of herbs, spices, and of course, peppers, to highlight the natural sweetness of your chicken while giving it a little sass. You can make your own at home following the recipe here, or pick some up in the Hey Grill Hey Store here. If you want to make your own (and why wouldn’t you?), here’s what you’ll need:
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
To help take your grill sandwiches from great to legendary, finish off your grill session with a healthy basting with my Hot Honey BBQ Sauce. Once again, you can make your very own sauce following this recipe, or you can grab a bottle in the Store here. Here’s what you’ll want on hand to make your own sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How Long to Grill Hot Honey Chicken
From seasoning to savoring, it only takes around 30 minutes to grill the chicken for your Hot Honey sandwiches using the two-zone method in this recipe. First, you’ll grill your chicken breasts over indirect heat for 5-10 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of around 145 degrees F.
Then, you’ll complete one critical (and delicious) step before you finish grilling. Move your chicken breasts over direct heat, hit them with a thick layer of Hot Honey BBQ Sauce, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. You’re looking for your chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer. This gives your chicken a lovely, sticky exterior while locking in all the chicken goodness. If you need help setting your grill up for two-zone cooking, check out this helpful post.
How to Make Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a whole meal (and a whole vibe really). So fire up the grill, get yourself a cold drink, and prepare for the last chicken sandwich you’ll ever need. Here’s what you’ll need to do when you’re ready to make it:
- Season the chicken. Lay your chicken breasts on a baking sheet and grab your Spicy Sweet Rub. Give each breast a healthy shake of the rub on both sides so the flavor penetrates from all angles.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat. Place your seasoned chicken breast on the grates of your preferred grill and close the lid. You want to give your chicken 5-10 minutes per side, This way the entire breast cooks through evenly, so each bite is juicy and full of flavor. You want to get your chicken to around 145 degrees F while over indirect heat.
- Sauce the chicken and grill over direct heat. This is where things get fun. Pop open your grill lid, then carefully move your breasts to the direct heat side of your grill. Pour a layer of Hot Honey BBQ Sauce over each breast, then use a basting brush to ensure everything has a thick, sticky coating. Close the lid and cook your chicken 4-5 more minutes per side. You’re looking for your sauce to become tacky, and for your chicken to read an internal temperature of 165 degrees F using a reliable meat thermometer. If you want to toast your buns, now is the time.
- Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy! Assemble your chicken sandwiches with your favorite toppings and serve with an extra side of Hot Honey BBQ sauce for drizzling. Serve with your favorite BBQ sides and chow down!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
These Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are loaded with so much sweet, spicy flavor, you don’t need to add much. I recommend something cool to help tame the flame of the sticky-hot sauce. My pasta salad makes a yummy addition, or you can top your sandwiches with a little homemade coleslaw. You also can’t go wrong with a side of fries (like the killer, twice-fried fries in this post) or some crunchy onion rings. Just make sure you fill your plate with stuff you love.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
If your family loves tender, juicy chicken off the grill as much as mine does, these Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are just a teaser. I’ve got dozens of simple recipes for every cut of chicken you can make right at home. You can find them all in the Hey Grill Hey App, but for now, check out some of my favorites:
Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Make the sandwich, be the hero. Then, while you’re busy licking your lips, give this Hot Honey Chicken sandwich recipe a 5-star review. Make sure to leave a comment and tell me what kind of toppings and sides you enjoyed with your grilled chicken sandwiches.
Don’t forget to follow all the Hey Grill Hey social channels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. I’ve got several new recipes each week, as well as step-by-step videos, and handy tips and tricks. With Hey Grill Hey by your side, you’re on your way to becoming a Backyard BBQ Hero..
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Spicy Sweet Rub
- 2 cups Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
- 4 sandwich buns
Sandwich Toppings
- green lettuce leaves
- red onions sliced
- tomatoes sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Preheat your grill to 450 degrees F for 2-zone cooking, (one side with direct flame heat and the other side with no flames).
- Prep and grill the chicken. Season your chicken breasts on all sides with Hey Grill Hey Spicy Sweet BBQ Rub (or your favorite chicken rub). Place on the indirect side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 5-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reads 145 degrees F.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Spicy Sweet Rub
- Sauce the chicken and grill over direct heat. Baste the chicken breasts on all sides with 1 cup of Hot Honey BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce) and move them over to the direct heat side of your grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.2 cups Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
- Toast the buns. Toast your sandwich buns for 1-2 minutes over direct heat and set on your serving platter to assemble your sandwiches.4 sandwich buns
- Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy! Place a leaf of lettuce and then your grilled chicken breast on the bottom bun. Add some sliced red onions and a slice of tomato (or your favorite toppings) and enjoy!green lettuce leaves, red onions, tomatoes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
