If you crave a sandwich that perfectly balances crunchy, spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once, then you must try the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe. This sensational dish features golden, juicy fried chicken nestled inside a soft toasted brioche bun, kissed by a luscious drizzle of fiery hot honey and topped with pickled jalapeños for that irresistible tangy kick. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it an instant favorite that’s sure to brighten up any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from creating the perfect crispy crust to layering flavor that thrills your taste buds and adds visual appeal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Halving them lengthwise ensures thin, even cutlets that cook to juicy perfection quickly.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with subtle tang, critical for moist, flavorful meat.
- Salt and spices: A blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper gives the chicken a bold, complex flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combining these creates the ultra-crisp coating that stays crunchy without feeling heavy.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying because it withstands high heat without imparting unwanted flavors.
- Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and toasted, these buns add richness and contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Pickled jalapeños: Bring spicy tang and a bright pop of color to every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture that cuts through the heat and crunch beautifully.
- Honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes: These combine to make the irresistibly sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that defines this recipe.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Submerge the chicken cutlets in this tangy bath, cover them, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step not only infuses the meat with spices but also tenderizes it, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken after frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While your chicken marinates, mix the all-purpose flour with cornstarch in a bowl. The cornstarch is key to achieving that irresistibly light and extra-crispy crust that will make this sandwich so memorable.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Dredge Chicken
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet until it reaches about two inches deep and heat it to 350°F. Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, dredge it in your flour mixture, and shake off the excess. For an even crunchier crust, try double-dipping by repeating the marinade and flour process once more. This extra step is optional but adds a delightful texture.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each side for 5 to 6 minutes. You want a gorgeous golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, mouthwatering results. Once cooked, place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring every bite stays crispy.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
Simmer honey gently over low heat in a small saucepan, then stir in hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. This hot honey will bring a perfect balance of sweetness and heat that defines the personality of this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread mayonnaise generously on the toasted brioche buns to add moist, creamy richness. Layer on the crispy fried chicken cutlet, drizzle with your freshly made hot honey glaze, and finish with a handful of sliced pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor combination.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lettuce or tomato slices can add freshness and color, but the true starring garnishes here are the pickled jalapeños, which elevate the sandwich with their zing and signature bite. Some extra hot honey drizzle on the side invites guests to customize their heat level.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs perfectly with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad. Each side complements the richness and spice, adding texture contrasts and refreshing balance to your meal. Pick sides that can either soak up that hot honey or counter the heat for an all-around satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe wrapped in parchment for a casual picnic vibe or stacked high on a wooden board with dipping sauces on the side. For a fun twist, swap the brioche bun for a sandwich slider to turn this into party-friendly finger food everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the fried chicken separate from the buns and condiments to maintain crunch and freshness. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated and enjoyed without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
Leftover fried chicken freezes wonderfully. After cooling completely, place pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep it moist and crispy.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch of the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe, reheat your chicken pieces in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy. Toast buns fresh and assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a richer flavor, but you’ll want to adjust cooking times slightly since thighs are thicker and fattier. Just make sure they reach the safe temperature of 165°F.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The heat level depends on your choice of hot sauce and amount of pickled jalapeños added. The hot honey provides a warm, lingering spice that’s balanced by sweetness, making it approachable but exciting for most spice lovers.
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes! Hot honey keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it gently before drizzling to bring back its lovely pourable texture.
What can I substitute for pickled jalapeños?
If you prefer less heat or can’t find pickled jalapeños, sliced banana peppers or fresh jalapeños with a squeeze of lime are great alternatives that maintain tang and crunch.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the chicken for a healthier option, but it won’t be quite as crispy. Coat as usual, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe that delivers deep flavors, perfect textures, and a spicy-sweet punch. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends or keep all to yourself because it just hits every craving spot. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food in a sandwich!
Print
Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños features juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection. Paired with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle and tangy pickled jalapeños on a toasted brioche bun, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise into 4 cutlets)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coating
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches depth)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche buns (toasted)
- 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken cutlets and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This mixture will create a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ready for frying the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken cutlets from the marinade one at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, then shake off the excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the skillet. Cook them for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep them crispy.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey gently. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, then simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise evenly on the toasted brioche buns. Place a crispy chicken cutlet on the bottom bun, drizzle generously with hot honey sauce, and top with sliced pickled jalapeños. Close with the top bun and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by dredging it in flour, then back into the marinade, and once more into the flour before frying.
- Substitute spicy mayonnaise instead of regular mayo if you want additional heat.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent to achieve the perfect crispy crust without greasiness.
- The chicken can be marinated overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
