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Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

The Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich is a flavorful and irresistible combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken thighs coated in a spicy and sweet jalapeno honey drizzle. This sandwich pairs the heat of fresh jalapenos with the smooth sweetness of honey, balanced by crunchy lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and optional pickles, all sandwiched in toasted buns. Perfect for a bold lunch or dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and a mouthwatering blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.

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

  1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.
  2. Dip in Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. Submerge each chicken thigh fully in the buttermilk to coat evenly, helping tenderize the meat and prepare it for dredging.
  3. Coat with Flour Mixture: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently on all sides to ensure a thick, even coating for maximum crispiness.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for frying to a golden crisp without burning.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle: In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Add the finely chopped jalapenos and cook for 3-5 minutes to infuse the honey with heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  7. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns until golden brown to add texture and prevent sogginess when assembling the sandwich.
  8. Assemble the Sandwiches: On each bottom bun, layer shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top, then generously drizzle the jalapeno honey mixture over the chicken. Add pickles if desired. Spread mayonnaise or aioli on the top bun if using, then cap the sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For milder heat, remove jalapeno seeds before chopping.
  • Chicken thighs yield juicier, more flavorful results than breasts.
  • Frying in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
  • Chilling the breaded chicken for 30 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better.
  • Adjust honey quantity in drizzle to suit your preferred sweetness level.
  • Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken to maintain crispiness rather than paper towels.
  • Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.
  • Leftover chicken and jalapeno honey should be stored separately in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried chicken sandwich, jalapeno honey drizzle, crispy chicken sandwich, spicy honey chicken, homemade chicken sandwich

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/jalapeno-honey-drenched-crispy-fried-chicken-sandwich-recipe/