Wendy’s brings the sweet heat with Hot Honey Chicken menu items

The Queen of Spice is proving herself worthy of the title. Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit are waking up people’s taste buds. From morning to night, the quick service restaurant proves that its spicy food menu is definitely made to crave.

While many people have fallen in love with the Hot and Crispy Fries and the iconic Frosty is always within reach, Wendy’s is a quick service restaurant that has never shied away from its unique point of view. Always leaning into its concept of “Fast Food Done Right,” Wendy’s thoughtfulness in each menu item and menu launch is clear. Although the journey from a customer’s order to bag might be quick, there are no shortcuts on the plate.

Over the past several years, the expansion of the Made to Crave menu has been well-received. From pub-like all day menu offerings to innovative takes on classic dishes, the Wendy’s culinary team has found a way to surprise and delight consumers without losing its identity. The flavor volume might be more pronounced, but the core values have not been diminished.

Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken menu additions set fire to the chicken wars

With the two new Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken menu items, Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich, the restaurant brand has found a way to capture that sweet and savory food trend but in its own way. While many people might have drizzled hot honey on almost any food, this particular flavor does not shy away from the spice yet doesn’t scorch the palate.

During a recent media call, John Li, Vice President of Culinary Innovation of Wendy’s, shared how this hot honey took a long time to perfect. The key to its irresistible flavor is the balance. Instead of “blowing out your palate,” the nuance of the habanero peppers with the honey makes this sauce the perfect drizzle for the Wendy’s chicken.

Similar to all the Made To Crave menu items, these two new offerings provide a sense of flavor adventure. Even though the name conveys the heat, Li puts these menu items on a spice level of 7/10, which is below the Ghost Pepper Ranch on the “Wendy’s heat scale.” The balance of the sweet and heat is key to making this offering about the flavor, not just the fire.

Looking at the breakfast option, the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich builds on the fan favorite chicken biscuit served with the honey butter. The combination of that flaky biscuit with the crispy chicken always satisfies.

Now with the drizzle of the hot honey, the spiciness is definitely a morning pick me up. Forget the caffeine buzz, the boldness of the flavor will put a little pep in your step. And, if the hot label comes with a little worry, just grab a Frosty-ccino to enjoy with it. But, make sure to grab a few extra napkins because this sandwich can be a little sticky.

Is there another treat paired with the Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich menu?

As part of the Made to Crave menu, the Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is a bold choice, worthy of a gastro pub menu. In addition to that hot honey drizzle, the chicken is paired with pepper jack cheese and some pickle chips.

While the addition of pickles might sound like a nod to a Southern Style chicken sandwich, these fried, pickled cucumbers might be the little treasure that everyone needs to discover. Beyond adding both texture and flavor balance to the sandwich, Wendy’s might have discovered a huge new offering.

Pickles, including fried pickles, have been a big food trend and are often a craveable flavor. Most quick service restaurants do not have a fried pickle or pickle chip option. This ingredient on the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich could be a game changer not just for the new menu offering but for other items as well. Although not sold as a side, those pickle chips can be added to any menu item.

The new Wendy’s Hot Honey Chicken menu will be available starting on February 8, 2022. The Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich is $3.19 and the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is $5.99. Additional promotional offers will accompany the launch.