Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich

$To create the perfect Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, you need fresh and high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building flavor and texture. - 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) - Vegetable oil, for frying - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) - 4 brioche buns - Leafy lettuce (like Romaine or Butter) - Sliced tomatoes - Sliced pickles Each ingredient adds layers of flavor. The chicken thighs soak in buttermilk, making them juicy and tender. The seasoned flour creates a crispy crust. Jalapeño honey gives a sweet and spicy kick that ties everything together. For the buns, brioche adds a soft, slightly sweet touch that complements the spicy chicken. Fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes add crunch and balance the flavors. Choosing high-quality ingredients ensures a great taste. When you source fresh produce and good meat, your sandwich will shine. {{ingredient_image_2}} How long should you marinate? Marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least one hour. You can marinate longer for more flavor. Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy. It helps the spices stick better too. First, mix the seasoned flour. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mix adds flavor and a nice crunch. Next, coat the chicken well. After marinating, let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mix. Press firmly for an even coating, then shake off any extra flour. For frying, use vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). A cooking thermometer helps with this. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil. If it's too hot, the coating burns. Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Cook each piece for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Flip when golden brown, then cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate. Start by toasting the brioche buns. This gives a nice texture. Spread jalapeño honey on the bottom half of each bun. Place the crispy fried chicken on top. Add leafy lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and pickles. Drizzle more jalapeño honey over the chicken. Finally, place the top half of the bun on the sandwich. Enjoy your delicious creation! To fry chicken well, follow these steps: - Use a thermometer: This ensures the oil is at 350°F (175°C). - Fry in batches: Frying too much chicken at once cools the oil. - Avoid flipping too soon: Let the chicken fry until golden brown before turning it. Maintaining the right oil temperature is key. If it's too cool, the chicken gets greasy. If too hot, it burns before cooking through. Always check the temp with a thermometer for best results. To create that sweet and spicy jalapeño honey, you need a good balance. - Start with 2 tablespoons of honey. - Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños. Mix well to blend the flavors. If you want more heat, add more jalapeños! For storage, keep the honey in a sealed jar. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use it later to spice up other dishes or sandwiches. Serve your sandwiches with tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Crispy fries: They pair well with the sandwich's crunch. - Coleslaw: This adds a nice, cool contrast to the heat. - Pickle chips: They enhance the flavors with their tanginess. For presentation, stack the sandwich high. Use a skewer to hold it together. Serve with extra jalapeño honey on the side for dipping. This adds a fun touch for your guests! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in buttermilk overnight for the best tenderness and flavor absorption. Temperature Control: Ensure your oil reaches the right temperature (350°F) for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating or jalapeños in the honey to suit your spice preference. Toast the Buns: Toasting the brioche buns adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the honey and chicken juices. {{image_4}} To change the spice level of your jalapeño honey fried chicken sandwich, you can modify the amount of jalapeños you use. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. You can also pick milder peppers, like banana peppers or poblano peppers. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or even try serrano peppers. Alternative spicy ingredients include hot sauce or spicy mustard. These can bring a different depth of heat while adding a tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with your spice choices! If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour for the breading. Almond flour or chickpea flour also works well. You can still achieve that crunchy coating. For proteins, chicken thighs are great, but try turkey or tofu for a change. Turkey thighs can give a similar taste, while tofu offers a plant-based option. Just ensure to marinate them well for flavor. You can enhance your sandwich with various toppings. Consider adding avocado slices, crispy bacon, or jalapeño slices for bite. Cheese like pepper jack or cheddar can also add creaminess. For sauce alternatives, try ranch dressing or aioli. These can provide added moisture and flavor. A drizzle of barbecue sauce could also work well for a smoky twist. To keep your fried chicken crispy, store the sandwiches in an airtight container. Avoid stacking them, as this can make the bread soggy. Use parchment paper between layers to help. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, I recommend using the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sandwich on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. If you use the microwave, the sandwich may become soft. If you choose this method, heat it in short bursts. Check it often to avoid overcooking. A Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich is a tasty meal. It features crispy fried chicken thighs. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, marinated in buttermilk. You coat it in a mix of spices and fry it to golden perfection. The sandwich gets a sweet and spicy kick from jalapeño honey. This honey adds depth and a touch of heat. You can also add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Yes, you can make parts in advance. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for best flavor. Fry the chicken just before serving for freshness. You can also prepare the jalapeño honey early. Keep it stored in a sealed container in the fridge. Assemble the sandwich right before eating to keep the bread crispy. Many sides go well with this sandwich. Consider crispy fries or potato wedges for crunch. A fresh coleslaw adds a nice cool contrast. You can also serve corn on the cob for a sweet touch. Pickles on the side can complement the flavors nicely. To adjust the spice level, use fewer jalapeños in the honey. You can remove the seeds for less heat. If you love spice, add more jalapeños or use spicy honey. You can also try a different hot sauce for added kick. In this post, we explored how to make a Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich. We covered the best ingredients, from tender chicken thighs to brioche buns. You learned the steps for marinating, coating, frying, and assembling the sandwich. Plus, I shared tips to keep your chicken crispy and ideas for variations. Remember, this sandwich can be customized to fit your taste. Enjoy preparing and sharing this meal with friends and family!$

Jalapeño Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich

A spicy and sweet fried chicken sandwich with jalapeño-infused honey.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 30

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
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
as needed none vegetable oil, for frying
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons finely 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 medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the buttermilk, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose 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 create a depth of about 1-2 inches and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down firmly.
Carefully lower the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey with the finely chopped jalapeños. Stir well and set aside.
Toast the brioche buns until golden brown. Spread jalapeño honey on the bottom half of each bun, add the fried chicken, leafy lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Drizzle extra jalapeño honey over the chicken before placing the top half of the bun on.
Serve the sandwiches immediately while hot, with additional jalapeño honey on the side.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.

Keyword fried chicken, honey, jalapeño, sandwich