Get ready to fall in love with the Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe, a mouthwatering explosion of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. This sandwich features perfectly marinated, ultra-crispy fried chicken thighs, bathed generously in a sweet and spicy jalapeno honey glaze, all nestled in a soft brioche bun with tangy pickles and a creamy mayo-Dijon spread. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that elevates a classic comfort food into a crave-worthy experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a blend of straightforward yet essential ingredients that deliver every bit of flavor and texture you’ll want. From spices that add depth to the crispy coating, to the honey and jalapenos that bring a delightful punch of sweet heat, each ingredient plays an important role in crafting this unforgettable sandwich.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs stay moist even after frying, making your sandwich extra flavorful.
- Buttermilk: Perfect for marinating, it tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoning adhere for maximum flavor.
- Hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick during marination, boosting the spicy profile subtly.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating, ensuring a crunchy crust.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with flour to enhance crispiness and give a light, crackly texture.
- Smoked paprika: Provides smoky warmth that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Garlic powder: Elevates the savory aromatics in the crust.
- Onion powder: Balances the flavors with mild sweetness and pungency.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic but critical seasonings that bring all the herbs and spices together.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Brioche buns: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, providing the perfect sandwich foundation.
- Sliced pickles: Adds a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the rich chicken.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard: Combined for a creamy, slightly sharp spread that complements the sandwich.
- Unsalted butter: Used in the jalapeno honey drizzle to add richness and smooth heat.
- Honey: Balances the heat beautifully with natural sweetness.
- Finely chopped pickled jalapeños: Packs a punch of tangy heat in the drizzle, making every bite lively.
How to Make Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl to create a zesty marinade that tenderizes and flavors the chicken. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, cover the bowl, and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours or preferably overnight. This step is crucial because it breaks down the proteins, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender after frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While the chicken marinates, mix together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. This combination not only flavors the crust but also guarantees that irresistible crispy texture that every good fried chicken sandwich needs. The cornstarch makes the coating light and crackly, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down just enough to ensure a thorough, even coating. Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F, then carefully fry the chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want a golden brown exterior and a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Drain your crispy chicken on a wire rack to keep it crunchy and free of excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter and stir in honey and finely chopped pickled jalapeños. Warm the mixture until fully combined and aromatic. This luscious drizzle marries sweet with spicy and adds an amazing glaze that drenches the crunchiest fried chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Toast your brioche buns lightly to enhance their flavor and texture. Spread a mixture of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on each bun half for creaminess with a mild tang. On the bottom bun, lay down your crispy chicken, some sliced pickles for bite and acidity, then spoon over the spectacular jalapeno honey drizzle. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately to savor each melty, crunchy, sweet, and spicy bite.
How to Serve Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, crisp garnishes like shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, or even fresh jalapeño slices can add an extra textural dimension and a pop of freshness to every sandwich. These simple garnishes brighten the richness and complement the spicy honey drizzle beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as crispy French fries, sweet potato wedges, or a light coleslaw. For a healthier balance, try roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Each side adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sandwiches deconstructed on a platter, allowing guests to build their own with extra jalapeno honey drizzle on the side. You can also swap the brioche for a soft pretzel bun or top with a slice of melted pepper jack cheese for added indulgence. Presentation is the ultimate invitation to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe, store the chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate prevents the buns from becoming soggy and helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness for up to two days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fried chicken pieces before assembling the sandwich. Wrap each piece tightly in parchment and foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as explained below. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches for best texture.
Reheating
To revive that coveted crispiness, reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the crust. Toast fresh buns and reassemble with cold pickles and mayo mixture just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind thighs generally stay juicier and more forgiving during frying, making your sandwich even better. If using breasts, slice them thinner to ensure even cooking.
How spicy is the jalapeno honey drizzle?
The drizzle strikes a wonderful balance of sweet and mildly spicy thanks to the pickled jalapeños. For more heat, feel free to add extra chopped jalapeños or dashes of hot sauce directly into the honey mixture.
Can I prepare the chicken coating ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the flour, cornstarch, and spices in advance and store in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes the cooking process quicker while still delivering that fantastic crispy crust.
Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?
Buttermilk is highly recommended because it tenderizes the chicken and helps flavor absorption, but if you don’t have any, mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice can serve as a quick substitute.
What can I substitute for brioche buns?
If brioche buns aren’t available, soft potato rolls, pretzel buns, or even sturdy sandwich rolls work well. Just choose buns that are soft yet have enough structure to hold the juicy chicken and toppings without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves that perfect marriage of crunchy, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in a sandwich. It’s straightforward to make but delivers immensely satisfying results every time. Whether you’re cooking for a casual lunch or impressing friends for a weekend feast, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. So go ahead and treat yourself — your taste buds will thank you!
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Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free mayo and butter alternatives)
Description
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich features tender, marinated chicken thighs fried to golden perfection, layered with tangy pickles and a spicy jalapeño honey drizzle atop toasted brioche buns. The perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors makes it a satisfying and flavorful American classic sandwich.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches depth)
Sandwich Assembly
- 2 brioche buns
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Jalapeño Honey Drizzle
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare Coating Mix: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful dredging mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even and thick coating that will become crispy when fried.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain accurate frying temperature for best results.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
- Make Jalapeño Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey and finely chopped pickled jalapeños and warm through gently until combined and fragrant.
- Toast Buns and Prepare Spread: Toast the brioche buns lightly. Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together and spread this mixture evenly on the toasted buns’ inner sides.
- Assemble Sandwich: On the bottom bun, place a fried chicken thigh, layer with sliced pickles, then drizzle generously with the jalapeño honey mixture. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the jalapeño honey drizzle before warming.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful when fried.
- To make this sandwich dairy-free, substitute dairy-free mayonnaise and butter alternatives.
- Ensure oil temperature stays at 350°F to achieve a crispy coating without greasy chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
