Description
Crispy and flavorful Jalapeno Honey Drenched Fried Chicken Sandwiches made with tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken, a Cajun-spiced flour coating, and topped with a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey drizzle and creamy mayonnaise. This sandwich delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about ½ inch thick)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Coating
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
For Frying
- 4 cups vegetable or peanut oil
Assembly
- 4 buns, optionally toasted
- 6 tbsp jalapeno honey
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Make the Coating: In another bowl, combine the flour, remaining Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even spice distribution for a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable or peanut oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, filling it about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere a generous coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil and keep the crust crisp.
- Prepare the Buns and Sauce: If desired, toast the buns lightly. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a piece of fried chicken on each bun bottom. Drizzle generously with 1.5 tablespoons of jalapeno honey per sandwich for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Serve: Top with the bun tops and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, or breasts for leaner sandwiches.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno honey depending on your heat preference.
- Peanut oil is great for frying due to its high smoke point, but vegetable oil works well as a substitute.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by repeating the marinade and coating process before frying.
- Make sure oil temperature remains consistent for even cooking and to avoid greasy chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
