Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle Sandwich
🍔 Introduction: The Origin of Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle Sandwich
Longing for a dish that delivers it all—crunchy, spicy, sweet, and deeply savory in every bite? Then the hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich is your ultimate fix. Here on Donald Recipes, I bring you soul-soothing meals with a frozen twist that still taste homemade.
This sandwich has roots in the rich culinary traditions of Harlem’s 1930s jazz era, where fried chicken and waffles fueled all-night music sessions. Now, with a fiery twist of hot honey, the classic gets a delicious update that balances heat with sweetness in every bite.
🌍 Where It’s Making Waves
From urban diners to home kitchens, the hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich is rising in popularity in:
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇦🇺 Australia
🇩🇪 Germany
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇯🇵 Japan
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇧🇷 Brazil
Easy to prepare with frozen chicken and ready-made waffles, it’s become a reliable favorite worldwide. The hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich isn’t just trendy—it’s crave-worthy comfort food.
After you’ve made this sandwich, why not pair it with something tangy? Try my Texas‑Style Mustard Potato Salad for a creamy, zesty side dish that balances the sweet heat perfectly
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7 Deliciously Bold Reasons This Hot Honey Chicken And Waffle Sandwich Will Be Your New Favorite
Description
Crispy chicken, sweet-spicy hot honey, and golden waffles combine in this easy Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle Sandwich—perfect for frozen recreations at home.
Ingredients
- 4 frozen fried chicken breast filets
- 4 frozen Belgian waffles
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 pickle slices
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: cheddar cheese slices, arugula
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place frozen chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and hot.
- While the chicken bakes, toast the waffles until golden and crisp.
- Spread butter on each waffle if desired.
- Place one waffle on a plate.
- Top with hot chicken filet, drizzle with hot honey.
- Add pickles and optional cheese/arugula.
- Cap with second waffle. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.
👩🍳 What You’ll Need
Before assembling your mouthwatering hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich, gather the essential tools, ingredients, and optional flavor boosters. Everything you need is simple, accessible, and easy to prep.
🔧 Kitchen Tools
Make sure you have these on hand for the best results:
- Waffle maker (to prepare or heat Belgian-style waffles)
- Oven & baking sheet with wire rack (helps keep chicken crispy)
- Tongs or hardy spatula
- Mixing bowl (ideal for melting butter or blending honey)
A wire rack keeps the underside of your chicken crisp—no soggy bites!
🛒 Staple Ingredients
Stock your freezer and pantry with these core components:
- Frozen fried chicken breast filets
- Frozen Belgian waffles
- Hot honey (or combine honey with your favorite hot sauce)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Dill pickle slices
- Paprika & garlic powder
Each brings something special: crunch, comfort, and that signature sweet-heat.
🌟 Optional Extras
Feel free to elevate your hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich with these add-ons:
- Sharp cheddar cheese slices
- Fresh arugula or crunchy coleslaw
- A maple syrup drizzle—for brunch elegance
Looking to boost your side dishes? Try my zesty Texas-Style Mustard Potato Salad for a fiery companion that complements the bold flavors perfectly.
🌿 Ingredients

When it comes to assembling the ultimate hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich, simplicity meets bold flavor. This recipe leans on convenient frozen items, allowing you to build a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
🧊 Frozen Essentials
Start with these freezer-friendly staples that make this sandwich effortless and delicious:
- 4 frozen fried chicken breast filets – Choose crispy Southern-style filets for best flavor
- 4 frozen Belgian waffles – Thick and fluffy waffles hold up best under hot honey and toppings
🍯 Pantry & Fridge Staples
Next, round out your sandwich with flavor-packed accents:
- ¼ cup hot honey – Store-bought or homemade by combining ¼ cup honey with 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter – For a golden finish on your waffles
- 4 pickle slices – Adds briny contrast to the spicy-sweet bite
- ¼ teaspoon paprika – Enhances depth in the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Brings a savory edge to balance the honey
🧀 Optional Add-Ins
Make your hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich your own with creative extras:
- Cheddar cheese slices – Melts beautifully over hot chicken
- Fresh arugula or coleslaw – Adds a peppery or tangy crunch
- Maple syrup – For those who enjoy a sweeter Southern-style finish
Want to make your waffles from scratch? Don’t miss my 5 Irresistible Ways to Make the Perfect Pancake Casserole for a fluffy, golden alternative that holds up to all the toppings.
📜 Instructions

Creating a hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich from frozen ingredients doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. This step-by-step method delivers a perfectly crispy, gooey, sweet-and-spicy meal in under 30 minutes.
🔥 Step 1: Bake the Chicken
The secret to crispy chicken is heat circulation. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place frozen chicken filets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is hot and golden-brown.
Using a wire rack keeps the underside crispy by allowing air to circulate—no soggy bottoms!
🍞 Step 2: Toast the Waffles
While your chicken bakes, prepare the waffles:
- Toast 4 frozen Belgian waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until they’re golden brown and perfectly crisp on the outside.
- Optional: Add a layer of richness by brushing the warm waffles with melted butter for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
The crisp waffle texture is crucial—it holds the hot honey and juicy chicken without getting soggy.
🧑🍳 Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Now for the best part—stacking the magic:
- Place one waffle on a plate as your base.
- Top with a hot chicken filet.
- Drizzle hot honey generously across the chicken.
- Add a pickle slice and any optional extras like cheese or arugula.
- Cap with a second waffle. Repeat for the other sandwiches.
🍰 Prep & Cook Time
When you’re short on time but craving big flavor, this hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for brunch, a quick lunch, or a hearty late-night meal.
⏱️ Quick & Satisfying Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
You’ll go from freezer to fork without fuss—no messy frying or complicated steps. Just crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and that spicy-sweet honey goodness.
Looking for another quick recipe with big flavor? Try my Chicken Pesto Panini Recipe—it’s another fast favorite with bold taste.
🧪 Nutrition Score
Understanding what goes into your hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich helps you enjoy it mindfully—without compromising flavor. This sandwich is indulgent, but you can make smart swaps for a lighter version.
🍗 Estimated Nutrition Per Sandwich
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: ~25 oz
- Carbohydrates: ~48 oz
- Fat: ~32 oz
- Sugar: ~14 oz
These values are approximate and may vary based on the brand of frozen chicken and waffles used. If you’re using homemade or different ingredients, it’s best to calculate based on those specifics.
🥗 Want to Lighten It Up?
To make this sandwich a bit leaner:
- Use grilled chicken breast instead of fried.
- Opt for low-carb waffles or whip up a batch of almond flour waffles at home for a lighter, grain-free alternative.
- Opt for light butter or skip it altogether.
- Try a sugar-free hot honey blend for fewer calories.
This still keeps all the spicy-sweet satisfaction of the original while trimming down the calorie count.
Looking to balance your meal with something light? My Avocado and Corn Salsa Recipe offers a refreshing, low-calorie side that perfectly balances the bold, savory notes of this sandwich.
🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips
This hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven and toaster. But if you’re prepping ahead or managing leftovers, here’s how to make the most of every bite.
🥂 How to Serve It Best
Elevate your sandwich with the right sides and drinks:
- Serve alongside sweet potato fries or zesty curly fries for a crispy, flavorful contrast that rounds out the meal perfectly.
- Plate it with a fresh arugula salad on the side for a crisp, peppery bite that brightens the whole dish.
- A glass of iced sweet tea or lemonade balances the heat from the honey perfectly
- Add a fried egg on top for a hearty brunch twist
For special occasions, elevate it into a full-flavored feast by adding layers like sharp cheddar or a touch of smoky flair for extra indulgence.
🧊 Storing Leftovers
In case you’ve prepared more than needed or plan to enjoy a sandwich later on:
- Store the chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, pop the chicken into a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes until it regains that irresistible crunch and savory goodness.
- Toast the waffles again to bring back their golden crunch
- Keep hot honey in a sealed jar at room temperature—just give it a quick stir before drizzling
Planning a weekend brunch? My Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe is a fantastic side dish to round out your table.
🌱 Variations & Add-ons

The beauty of the hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich lies in its versatility. Whether you’re after extra heat, a breakfast-friendly twist, or dietary alternatives, this dish can flex to match your flavor goals.
🔄 Regional and Creative Twists
Experiment with bold, regional flavors or brunch-inspired touches:
- Nashville-Style: Double up on spice with extra cayenne in your hot honey or add jalapeño slices.
- Southern Comfort: Top with tangy coleslaw and melted cheddar cheese for rich texture and crunch.
- Breakfast Remix: Add a fried egg, sausage patty, or even a hash brown for a full breakfast sandwich experience.
- Sweet Tooth Special: Finish with a maple syrup drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar for a dessert-like variation.
These flavor profiles give you the freedom to serve this sandwich at brunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering.
🌿 Dietary Alternatives
Customizing for dietary preferences is easy without sacrificing flavor:
- Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free frozen waffles and breaded chicken to keep the meal safe and satisfying for gluten-sensitive eaters
- Vegan Version: Replace with plant-based chicken filets and use dairy-free waffles for a fully vegan, flavor-packed twist
- Low-Carb: Swap in almond flour waffles and grilled chicken for a keto-friendly version
- Dairy-Free: Skip the butter or use vegan butter alternatives
Looking to go all-in on plant-based comfort food? My Chorizo-Spiced Chopped Salad delivers bold, smoky flavor with no meat required.
🤔 FAQs
❓What goes on a hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich?
This sandwich is all about layers of texture and flavor. A classic version includes:
A crispy fried chicken filet
Hot honey drizzle for that sweet heat
Golden Belgian waffles as the “bun”
Pickles for a tangy crunch
Optional: cheddar cheese, arugula, coleslaw, or a maple drizzle
You can also make it your own with a fried egg or even spicy aioli for extra richness.
❓Did Wendy’s discontinue the hot honey chicken sandwich?
Yes, Wendy’s officially discontinued their hot honey chicken sandwich, but the flavor combo lives on! This homemade hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich brings back that spicy-sweet goodness with a fun twist—swapping the bun for warm, fluffy waffles.
❓How do you make a waffle fried chicken sandwich?
Simply toast your waffles, bake or fry your chicken filets, and layer them with your favorite toppings. Drizzle with hot honey and sandwich it all between two waffles. It’s a no-fuss recipe that looks gourmet.
❓What’s on the hot honey chicken sandwich at Wendy’s?
The Wendy’s version featured a spicy fried chicken filet, hot honey sauce, pickles, and a regular bun. This recipe replaces the bun with waffles for that Southern brunch flair and offers the same bold flavor with more crunch.
📅 Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle Sandwich
If you’re looking for a bold, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal, the hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich checks every box. From its Harlem jazz-club origins to its modern, freezer-friendly approach, this sandwich delivers layers of texture and taste in every bite.
Whether you’re recreating a fast-food favorite or simply want a comforting meal with a spicy kick, this recipe makes it accessible—and unforgettable. With only 30 minutes of prep and endless ways to customize, it’s bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ready to explore more? Check out Tavern-Style Pizza Recipe for another crave-worthy dish you can create with pantry staples and a little creativity.