If you’re craving a delicious, spicy, and slightly sweet chicken sandwich, then these Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns are just what you need! With a perfect balance of smoky heat from chipotle, sweetness from honey, and a creamy, tangy chipotle ranch sauce, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
Whether you’re making a quick family dinner or looking to impress guests with a gourmet-style burger, this recipe offers everything: tender shredded chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, buttery toasted brioche buns, and a burst of garlic flavor. Plus, with high protein and balanced macros, it’s a great meal option for those who want something indulgent yet nutritious.
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and how you can recreate it at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps with everyday ingredients
✔️ Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet, smoky, and spicy in every bite
✔️ High in Protein – 39.6g per serving, making it a great option for fitness enthusiasts
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – A hit with both kids and adults
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Feels like a gourmet burger from a top-tier restaurant
Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe
Before getting into the cooking steps, let’s break down the ingredients and their purpose in this amazing dish.
Chicken & Seasoning
400g chicken breast – A lean source of protein, perfect for shredding.
1¼ tsp smoked paprika – Adds a deep smoky flavor that complements the chipotle.
1 tsp garlic granules – Enhances the overall savory taste.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
The Flavor Boosters
25g runny honey – Provides natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoky spice.
1½ tsp chipotle paste – The star of the dish, delivering that rich, spicy kick.
Brioche Buns & Cheese
4 brioche buns – Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for absorbing the delicious juices.
4 slices of mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, adding creaminess and mild flavor.
Garlic Butter Topping
10g light butter – Creates a rich, buttery glaze.
1 tsp chopped garlic – Brings a robust garlic punch.
1 tsp fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color to the final dish.
The Signature Sauce
20g ranch dressing – Creamy and tangy, forming the base of the sauce.
½ tsp chipotle paste – Further enhances the heat and smokiness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper on all sides.
Heat a pan over medium heat and pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before shredding it.
2. Shred the Chicken
You can shred the chicken using two forks, but a hand whisk is a great hack for shredding quickly.
The result should be tender, juicy chicken strands ready to absorb the honey-chipotle glaze.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing and chipotle paste.
Stir well and set aside for later. This sauce will add a creamy and smoky heat to the final dish.
4. Coat the Chicken in Honey-Chipotle Mixture
Take the shredded chicken and mix it with honey and chipotle paste until evenly coated.
This step infuses the chicken with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze.
5. Assemble the Buns
Toast the bottom halves of the brioche buns in a preheated oven at 180°C for a few minutes.
Top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
Spoon the honey-chipotle chicken mixture generously over the cheese.
Drizzle the prepared chipotle ranch sauce over the chicken for an extra flavor boost.
6. Bake for Perfection
Place the assembled buns in the oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are golden and crisp.
This step ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Make the Garlic Butter Glaze
Melt the butter in the microwave for 15 seconds, then mix in the chopped garlic.
Brush the top brioche buns with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle chopped parsley for freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Place the garlic-glazed bun tops over the loaded chicken mixture.
Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty.
Enjoy these heavenly Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even some pickles for an extra zing!
Tips for the Best Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns
💡 Use Fresh Brioche Buns – They provide the perfect balance of softness and a slightly sweet taste that complements the spicy chicken.
💡 Shred the Chicken While Warm – It’s much easier to shred, and it absorbs flavors better when warm.
💡 Toast the Buns Before Assembling – This prevents them from getting soggy and adds a nice crunch.
💡 Adjust Spice Levels – If you prefer milder heat, reduce the chipotle paste slightly. For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
💡 Experiment with Cheese – While mozzarella is great, you can try cheddar for a sharper taste or pepper jack for more spice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Each bun provides a balanced macronutrient profile, making it suitable for those tracking calories while enjoying a flavorful meal.
Calories: 432 kcal
Protein: 39.6g
Fat: 14.15g
Carbs: 35.4g
These buns are high in protein and moderately low in fat, making them a great choice for those following a fitness-friendly meal plan.
Final Thoughts
The Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns are everything you could ask for in a comfort meal—juicy, spicy, sweet, cheesy, and garlicky all at once! Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, they will surely be a hit.
Also try this Hazelnut Cheesecake Recipe
Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns Recipe

Spicy, sweet, and savory Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns — tender chicken, melted cheese, and garlic butter on brioche buns.
Type: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keywords: Honey Chipotle Chicken Buns, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Garlic Buns, Chicken Brioche Buns, High-Protein Chicken Recipe
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 432 kcal per serving
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Ingredients:
- 400g chicken breast, cut into fillet strips
- 1¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 25g runny honey
- 1½ tsp chipotle paste
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 10g light butter
- 1 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 20g ranch dressing
- ½ tsp chipotle paste
Recipe Instructions:
Season and Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper on all sides. Heat a pan over medium heat and pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before shredding it.
Shred the Chicken:
Prepare the Sauce:
Coat the Chicken in Honey-Chipotle Mixture:
Assemble the Buns:
Toast the bottom halves of the brioche buns in a preheated oven at 180°C for a few minutes. Top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt slightly. Spoon the honey-chipotle chicken mixture generously over the cheese. Drizzle the prepared chipotle ranch sauce over the chicken for an extra flavor boost.
Bake for Perfection:
Make the Garlic Butter Glaze: