Description
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich combines juicy, crispy fried chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy jalapeno-infused honey drizzle. Served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional pickles, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion.
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 flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Dip in Buttermilk: Dredge the chicken thighs thoroughly in the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated for optimal tenderness and adhesion of the flour mixture.
- Coat with Flour Mixture: Press the chicken into the seasoned flour mix, making sure all sides are evenly coated to form a crispy crust when fried.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat, preparing it for frying the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey, then add finely chopped jalapenos and cook for 3-5 minutes to infuse the heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns until just golden brown to add a crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom bun, layer shredded lettuce and tomato slices, place the crispy fried chicken on top, then generously drizzle with the jalapeno honey mixture. Add pickles if desired.
- Top and Serve: Cover with the top bun and serve the sandwich immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Control the Heat: For milder spice, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before chopping.
- Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and are more forgiving during frying than breasts.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Chill the Chicken Before Frying: Refrigerate coated chicken for 30 minutes to help the breading stick better.
- Adjust Honey: Increase honey quantity if a sweeter drizzle is desired.
- Serve with Fries, a Side Salad, or Coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Dinner Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, jalapeno honey drizzle, spicy fried chicken, homemade chicken sandwich
