Description
A fiery-sweet twist on a comfort classic, this Jalapeño Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich features crunchy golden fried chicken drizzled with spicy honey and layered with tangy pickles and creamy sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
Ingredients
-
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded to even thickness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
-
- Jalapeño Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli
- 8 dill pickle slices
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces for 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- Meanwhile, make the jalapeño honey: in a small saucepan, combine honey, jalapeño slices, and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently over low heat for 5 minutes to infuse flavor, then set aside.
- Brush or drizzle the fried chicken generously with warm jalapeño honey.
- Assemble the sandwiches: spread mayonnaise or aioli on the bottom bun, add pickles and lettuce, then top with the honey-drizzled chicken. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by using more or fewer jalapeño slices in the honey.
- Use chicken breasts for a larger sandwich or thighs for extra juiciness.
- For an extra-crispy crust, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Pairs perfectly with coleslaw or sweet potato fries.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American