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- 2 large chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - Vegetable oil, for frying - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) - 4 brioche buns - Leafy lettuce - Sliced tomatoes - Sliced pickles You can add your favorite toppings to make the sandwich special. Here are some ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Pepper jack cheese for extra spice - Coleslaw for crunch and flavor Feel free to mix and match. Your sandwich, your rules! If you can't find an ingredient or want to change it up, here are some swaps: - Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. - Swap buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. - Try whole wheat flour for a healthier coating. - Maple syrup can replace honey if you prefer a different sweetness. These options keep the flavor while making the dish your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by marinating the chicken. Take your two large chicken thighs and place them in a bowl. Pour in one cup of buttermilk. Make sure the chicken is fully covered. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least one hour. If you have time, marinate it overnight. This step makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Next, prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with the seasonings. Add one teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then add one teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle in half a teaspoon each of black pepper and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne for your spice level. Set this bowl aside for later. Now it’s time to fry the chicken. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by one to two inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in your flour mixture. Press firmly to coat well, then shake off the excess flour. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry each piece for about five to seven minutes per side. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Once done, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While the chicken is frying, make the jalapeño honey. In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of chopped fresh jalapeños. Remove the seeds for less heat if you like. Stir well to blend the flavors. This sweet and spicy mix adds a great kick to your sandwich. Now, let’s assemble the sandwiches. Toast four brioche buns until they turn golden. Spread a good amount of jalapeño honey on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on top. Add leafy lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and sliced pickles. Drizzle more jalapeño honey over the chicken. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich. Serve your sandwiches hot. I suggest giving extra jalapeño honey on the side for dipping. This will make each bite even better. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the crunch of the chicken! Frying chicken can be a fun task. Here are some tips to make it easy: - Use a thermometer. Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Aim for 350°F (175°C) for great frying. - Don’t crowd the pan. Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken cook evenly. - Check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures it’s safe to eat. A crunchy coating makes fried chicken special. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch: - Marinate well. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk adds flavor and moisture. It helps the flour stick. - Press the flour. After dredging, press the flour mixture onto the chicken. This forms a thick crust. - Let it rest. After coating, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick during frying. Spice can make or break a dish. Here’s how to adjust it to your liking: - Control the cayenne. Use less or skip it if you prefer milder chicken. - Remove seeds. For less heat, take the seeds out of jalapeños. They hold most of the spice. - Taste the honey. Mix in more jalapeños to the honey for a hotter kick, or use less for sweetness. These tips will help you create the best jalapeño honey fried chicken sandwich. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken in buttermilk, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better! Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside. Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sandwich, make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeños. You can also reduce the cayenne pepper in the coating mix. Toast the Buns: Don’t skip toasting the brioche buns! This adds a delicious crunch and prevents them from getting soggy from the jalapeño honey. {{image_2}} You can change the heat level of the jalapeño honey. If you want it milder, use sweet bell peppers instead of jalapeños. For extra kick, try adding ghost pepper flakes for a real spice boost. You can also mix in some sriracha or hot sauce to the honey for a different flavor. Just remember to taste as you go. The bread makes a big difference in your sandwich. Brioche buns are soft and rich, but you can use other types. Try a crusty ciabatta or a fluffy potato bun for a different texture. If you prefer something healthier, whole grain or sourdough can work well too. Each choice brings its own unique taste. Think about what to serve with your sandwich. Crispy fries are a classic choice, but you can switch it up. Coleslaw adds a crunchy and tangy contrast. You might enjoy a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side. For something heartier, try macaroni and cheese. Each side complements the sandwich and makes your meal complete. After enjoying your Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the chicken and buns separate to maintain their textures. Place them in the fridge within two hours of serving. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you have leftover jalapeño honey, store it in a small jar in the fridge. To reheat your fried chicken, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. For the buns, toast them lightly in a skillet or toaster just before serving. This helps revive their crispiness. If you want to save some sandwiches for later, you can freeze them. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a tasty meal that brings that fresh flavor back! You can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk. Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance. Marinate it overnight for the best flavor. You can also fry the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven for a crispy finish. To reduce the spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. Use less cayenne pepper in the coating mix. You can also add more honey to balance the heat. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal. They stay juicy and tender when fried. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. This article covered how to make a delicious chicken sandwich with jalapeño honey. We discussed the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for frying. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, you can adjust flavors to suit your taste. This recipe is easy and can be shared with friends and family. Enjoy making your perfect sandwich!

Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich

A spicy and sweet fried chicken sandwich with jalapeño-infused honey.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • as needed none vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh jalapeños
  • 4 none brioche buns
  • as needed none leafy lettuce
  • as needed none sliced tomatoes
  • as needed none sliced pickles

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine chicken thighs and buttermilk. Ensure chicken is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
  • In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  • Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • In a small bowl, combine honey and chopped jalapeños. Mix well to infuse the honey with heat.
  • Toast the brioche buns until golden. Spread a generous amount of the jalapeño honey on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on top, then add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Finally, drizzle more jalapeño honey over the chicken before placing the top half of the bun.
  • Serve the sandwiches hot with extra jalapeño honey on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
Keyword fried chicken, honey, jalapeño, sandwich