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Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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3.9 from 32 reviews

This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich features juicy, flavorful fried chicken thighs coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture and buttermilk batter, fried to a golden crisp. The sandwich is elevated by a sweet and spicy jalapeno honey drizzle that adds a delightful kick, assembled with fresh lettuce, tomato, and toasted buns for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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 bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the flavorful crust for the chicken.
  2. Dip in Buttermilk: Dredge the chicken thighs thoroughly in the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is evenly coated, which will help tenderize the meat and make the coating stick better.
  3. Coat with Flour Mixture: Dip the buttermilk-coated chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to cover all sides with a thick, even layer for maximum crispiness.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), the ideal temperature for frying chicken evenly and preventing greasiness.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle: In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey over low heat. Add the finely chopped jalapenos and cook for 3-5 minutes to infuse the honey with spice.
  7. Add Vinegar and Salt: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. This adds a tangy balance to the sweet and spicy drizzle.
  8. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns until golden brown to provide a sturdy, flavorful base for the sandwich.
  9. Layer the Sandwich: On the bottom buns, place a layer of shredded lettuce and a tomato slice. Add a piece of crispy fried chicken on top.
  10. Drizzle with Jalapeno Honey: Generously spoon the jalapeno honey drizzle over the chicken to infuse the sandwich with sweet heat. Add pickles if desired for extra tang.
  11. Top and Serve: Place the top buns on the sandwiches and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • The chicken thighs can be substituted with breasts for a leaner alternative, but thighs retain more moisture and flavor.
  • Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce the heat if preferred.
  • Buttermilk is ideal for tenderizing the chicken, but whole milk can be used as a substitute.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 350°F for optimal frying results.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Mayonnaise or aioli can be added to the sandwich for extra creaminess if desired.

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