If you are craving a mouthwatering combination of crunchy, spicy, and sweet, look no further than this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe. It perfectly balances golden, crispy chicken with a luscious drizzle of warm hot honey and just the right kick of pickled jalapeños. This sandwich brings together texture, heat, and a touch of sweetness in every bite, making it an instant favorite for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want that craveable comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet purposeful ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed masterpiece. Each item plays a vital role in building the perfect crispy coating, tangy spice, and a honeyed glaze that truly elevates the sandwich experience.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Conveniently sliced into thin cutlets to ensure quick cooking and even crispiness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken while imparting a subtle tanginess.
- Garlic powder & paprika: These spices build savory depth and a warm, smoky undertone.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the marinade and the dredge to enhance every bite.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: A combination that achieves that irresistible, extra-crispy crust.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to a golden, crunchy finish without overpowering flavors.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and luscious stickiness to complement the heat.
- Hot sauce: Brings a bright, spicy kick to the honey glaze, making it hot honey.
- Butter (optional): Adds richness to the hot honey for a velvety, indulgent sauce.
- Pickled jalapeños: Infuse vibrant tang and acidity, topping the sandwich with a fresh zingy bite.
- Sesame seed buns: Soft and slightly nutty, they cradle the sandwich beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (optional): Adds creamy moisture and helps balance the heat.
- Lettuce or coleslaw (optional): Provides crunch, freshness, and a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, uniform cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Then, whisk together the buttermilk with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavorful marinade. Submerge the cutlets and let them soak in this tangy bath for at least 30 minutes – or longer if you have time. This step is the secret to juicy, tender chicken with a subtle spice base.
Step 2: Make the Dredge
While your chicken marinates, mix flour and cornstarch together with a dash of salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Corsntarch is the magic ingredient here that ensures your fried chicken coating gets that addictive extra crunch. When ready, remove the chicken from the buttermilk allowing the excess liquid to drip off before dredging each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press it in well so every nook and cranny is coated. Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack to prepare it for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry your chicken in batches so they have room to crisp up nicely without crowding the pan. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. This crispy golden crust with juicy, tender chicken inside is where the magic truly shines.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey and hot sauce together. This quick step melds the sweetness with a vibrant spicy punch. For an extra touch of decadence, stir in a tablespoon of butter and swirl until melted. Your hot honey sauce is now luscious, slightly thickened, and ready to drizzle generously over your fried chicken sandwiches.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast your sesame seed buns to add texture and warmth. Spread mayonnaise on the buns if you like a creamy contrast to the spicy elements. Place a crispy chicken cutlet on the bottom bun, drizzle generously with the warm hot honey sauce, and add plenty of sliced pickled jalapeños for that signature tang and heat. Top with crunchy lettuce or coleslaw if you prefer, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately for the best balance of textures and temperature.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can turn this sandwich from great to spectacular. More sliced pickled jalapeños add a piquant zing and a bright pop of color, perfectly complementing the hot honey glaze. Lightly shredded lettuce or a tangy coleslaw provides a crisp, fresh contrast that balances the sweetness and heat perfectly. For a touch of creaminess, a swipe of mayonnaise or even a tangy aioli adds richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Side Dishes
Pairing this sandwich with delicious sides makes it a complete meal and an exciting feast. Consider classic crispy fries or sweet potato fries for satisfying crunch alongside the sandwich’s textures. A light cucumber salad or pickled veggies cut through the richness and offer refreshing acidity. If you want some added soul-food vibes, baked beans or creamy mac and cheese work beautifully without stealing the spotlight from the star sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable experience, serve the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of extra hot honey for dipping. Layer the sandwiches open-faced to showcase the vibrant layers of golden fried chicken, glistening hot honey, and bright jalapeños. For a party, cut each sandwich into halves or quarters for bite-sized sliders that let everyone enjoy this flavor explosion without committing to a full sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them separately in airtight containers to keep textures intact. The fried chicken is best wrapped to retain crispiness, while the buns and toppings can be kept apart to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, although the sandwich is best enjoyed the day it’s made for maximum crunch and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken cutlets before assembling the sandwiches. After frying and cooling completely, wrap them firmly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy. Warm the hot honey separately on the stove or microwave and drizzle right before serving. Toast the buns and assemble fresh for a sandwich that tastes almost like newly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and flavor, which can make the sandwich even juicier. Just slice them into cutlets and follow the same marinade and frying process. Keep in mind thighs might need a minute or two longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds the right tang.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by changing the amount or type of hot sauce you use. Feel free to add more for a fiery kick or less if you prefer a milder sweetness with just a hint of heat.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the dredge?
While all-purpose flour alone will still work, cornstarch is key for that ultra-crispy, light texture in the coating. It helps absorb moisture and creates that sought-after crunch that makes this sandwich extra special.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and verify that your hot sauce and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This will give you a delicious gluten-free Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that boasts the perfect harmony of crunch, heat, and sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to friends at a casual gathering, its bold flavors and satisfying textures will have everyone coming back for seconds. Grab your ingredients and dive into creating this unforgettable sandwich—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños offers a perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture are coated with a crispy flour and cornstarch dredge, then fried to golden perfection. The sandwich is elevated with a drizzle of warm hot honey sauce and topped with tangy pickled jalapeños for an irresistible bite. Serve it with lettuce or coleslaw on toasted sesame seed buns for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dredge and Frying
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 sesame seed buns
- Pickled jalapeños, sliced (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños (for garnish)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on the bun)
- Lettuce or coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cutlets to the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Make the Dredge: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Set the coated chicken on a wire rack ready for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, heat the honey and hot sauce over low heat until warmed through. Add butter if using, stirring until melted and combined. Remove from heat to keep warm.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the sesame seed buns if desired. Spread a little mayonnaise on the buns, then place a crispy fried chicken fillet on each bun. Drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce and top with sliced pickled jalapeños. Add lettuce or coleslaw if you like for extra crunch and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm, with extra hot honey sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor and tender meat.
- Ensure oil temperature remains consistent for even frying and crispy coating.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Butter in the hot honey sauce is optional, but adds a nice richness and smooth texture.
- Pickled jalapeños add a tangy heat, but adjust amount to your spice preference.
- For a healthier variation, bake the chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying, but frying yields best crispiness.
