Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich combines juicy, flavorful fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle. It’s perfect for those who love a little kick balanced with sweetness in their sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk as an alternative)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2-3 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds optional for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomato slices
- Pickles, optional
- Optional: mayonnaise or aioli
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Step 2: Dredge the chicken thighs in the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Step 3: Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, pressing gently so all sides are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Carefully fry the chicken in the hot oil for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: For the jalapeno honey drizzle, gently heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped jalapenos and simmer for 3-5 minutes to infuse the heat.
- Step 7: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Step 8: Lightly toast the sandwich buns until golden brown.
- Step 9: Assemble the sandwich by layering lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, adding the crispy fried chicken on top.
- Step 10: Drizzle the jalapeno honey mixture generously over the chicken, add pickles if desired, then top with the bun and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder heat or keep them for extra spice.
- Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving during frying compared to breasts.
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.
- Chill the coated chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying to help the breading stick better.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the drizzle to suit your preferred sweetness.
- For a variation, try swapping the jalapeno honey with BBQ sauce for a spicy BBQ chicken sandwich.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to retain crispiness. Keep the jalapeno honey drizzle in a separate container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Assemble sandwiches fresh for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer. Keep in mind thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful after frying.
How spicy is the jalapeno honey drizzle?
The drizzle has a gentle heat balanced by the sweetness of honey. You can reduce the heat by removing the jalapeno seeds or use fewer jalapenos.
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Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich features juicy, perfectly fried chicken thighs coated in a seasoned flour crust, topped with a sweet and spicy jalapeno-infused honey drizzle. Served on toasted sandwich buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional pickles and mayo, it’s a delicious blend of heat, sweetness, and savory crunch perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk as an alternative)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle
- ¼ cup honey
- 2–3 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds optional for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
For the Sandwich
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomato slices
- Pickles, optional
- Optional: mayonnaise or aioli
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Dip in Buttermilk: Take the boneless chicken thighs and dredge them in the buttermilk, making sure each piece is fully coated for tenderizing and moisture retention.
- Coat with Flour Mixture: Dip the buttermilk-coated chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), preparing for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle: In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat, then add the finely chopped jalapenos. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spicy flavor to infuse into the honey.
- Add Vinegar and Salt: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, simmering for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns until they turn golden brown to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On each bun bottom, layer shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Place a piece of the crispy fried chicken on top, then generously drizzle with the jalapeno honey mixture. Add pickles if desired, then top with the bun crown and optionally spread mayonnaise or aioli.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the sandwiches fresh with your choice of sides such as fries, a crisp salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a milder spice level, remove seeds from the jalapenos before chopping.
- Using boneless chicken thighs ensures juicier and more flavorful fried chicken.
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature for crispy results.
- If possible, chill the coated chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better.
- Adjust honey quantity in the drizzle to suit your desired level of sweetness.
- Optional pickles, mayonnaise, or aioli can be added to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can swap the jalapeno honey drizzle with BBQ sauce for a spicy BBQ chicken sandwich variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried chicken sandwich, jalapeno honey drizzle, crispy chicken, spicy honey chicken, homemade chicken sandwich, southern style fried chicken
