If you have been searching for that perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and spicy, the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This sandwich is a symphony of textures and flavors: irresistibly crispy chicken, a luscious drizzle of hot honey that excites your taste buds with just the right heat, and the zesty kick of pickled jalapeños. Whether you’re craving something comforting or want to impress friends at your next casual gathering, this recipe delivers mouthwatering satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for this recipe are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect bite. From marinating the chicken to achieving that golden crunch and adding spicy sweetness, every item has been chosen to bring out the best in this sandwich.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quicker marination and even cooking.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle tangy flavor.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Provide aromatic seasoning that complements the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy coating when combined with cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the fried coating.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to golden perfection.
- Honey: Base for the signature hot honey drizzle.
- Hot sauce (like Sriracha): Gives a kick of heat that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Butter (optional): Adds richness to the hot honey sauce.
- Pickled jalapeños: Bring tangy spice and a crunchy bite on top.
- Sesame seed buns: Provide a soft but sturdy base for the sandwich.
- Mayonnaise (optional): Adds creaminess and moisture to the sandwich.
- Lettuce or coleslaw: Adds freshness and a crisp contrast to the rich chicken.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your boneless chicken breasts in half horizontally, creating thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken cutlets into this flavorful bath and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This marination step is key for juicy, tender chicken that carries the seasonings deep inside.
Step 2: Make the Dredge
Next, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow dish. When your chicken is ready, remove it from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Press each cutlet thoroughly into the flour mixture until completely coated. This double layer of flour and cornstarch is what gives that iconic crunch that makes this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe unforgettable.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken cutlets in batches so they have room to crisp without steaming. Cook each piece for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain off any excess oil, keeping your chicken gorgeously crispy.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey
While the chicken rests, gently warm your honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in your preferred hot sauce—Sriracha is a wonderful choice here for its balance of heat and flavor. If you want extra richness, melt in a tablespoon of butter. This luscious hot honey sauce is the star ingredient that injects sweet heat and coats your crunchy chicken with a perfect glaze.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast your sesame seed buns lightly if you like them warm and slightly crispy. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each bun to add creamy moisture. Place a crispy fried chicken fillet on the bottom bun, then generously drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Top with fresh slices of pickled jalapeños and, if you want, add crunchy lettuce or tangy coleslaw for an extra burst of freshness. Cap it with the top bun and get ready to enjoy a masterpiece.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Garnishes
Pickled jalapeños are not just a garnish but a flavor booster that balances the sweet and spicy notes of this sandwich. You can also toss on some fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red onions for an added pop of color and subtle sharpness, enhancing the overall experience without stealing the spotlight from your crispy chicken.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a tangy coleslaw. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the indulgence of the sandwich perfectly, keeping your meal exciting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your sandwich presentation, serve it open-faced atop a bed of crisp lettuce or rainbow slaw stacked in a Mason jar for a charming picnic twist. Another fun idea is to cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and skew them with colorful toothpicks for a party platter that’s as stylish as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, keep your crispy fried chicken and buns separate in airtight containers to maintain their best texture. The chicken will stay juicy when refrigerated and the bread won’t get soggy before you’re ready to reassemble your sandwich.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken cutlets individually wrapped in parchment paper and sealed in a freezer bag to enjoy later. While the texture may be slightly less crispy after thawing, reheating them in an oven or air fryer can help restore some crunchiness.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or use an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and can be juicier than breasts, which can add extra flavor, but make sure to adjust frying time as thighs might take longer to cook through.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of hot sauce you use. Start with milder hot sauce and adjust to taste if you’re worried about it being too spicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a simple substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This mimics buttermilk’s tenderizing effect perfectly.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
You can bake the chicken to reduce oil usage, but keep in mind the texture won’t be as crunchy as frying. Baking at a high temperature and using a wire rack to circulate air helps improve crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe. It’s that magical combination of textures and flavors that makes you want to savor every bite and then go back for seconds. Whether you are making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a flavorful crowd-pleaser, this sandwich is guaranteed to become one of your favorite recipes to keep handy. So grab those ingredients and dive into creating this delightful, crave-worthy treat today!
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Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including at least 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños offers a perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Marinated chicken cutlets are dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, fried until golden, then topped with a warm hot honey glaze and pickled jalapeños, all served on toasted sesame seed buns. It’s an irresistible sandwich that brings a delightful kick and comforting crunch in every bite.
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
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Frying and Sauce
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch deep)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Toppings and Assembly
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños (for garnish)
- 4 sesame seed buns
- Pickled jalapeños, sliced (for topping)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on the bun)
- Lettuce or coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts 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 enhanced flavor.
- Make the Dredge: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack to set.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and hot sauce until combined. Optionally, stir in butter for an extra rich finish, continuing to heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat carefully.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the sesame seed buns lightly if preferred. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the buns for added moisture. Place a crispy fried chicken cutlet on the bottom half of each bun, drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce, and top with sliced pickled jalapeños. Add lettuce or coleslaw for crunch and freshness if desired. Close the sandwich with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm, optionally offering extra hot honey on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer up to 4 hours intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for best frying results and crispy coating.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the honey glaze to control the level of spiciness.
- Pickled jalapeños add a tangy heat that complements the sweet hot honey beautifully.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with a yogurt-based spread or skip it entirely.
