Jalapeño Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

Experience the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crispy with this Jalapeño Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich. Tender marinated chicken coated in a crunchy crust, drizzled with a luscious jalapeño honey glaze, makes for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner that excites the taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1 cup Flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 cups Vegetable or Peanut Oil
• 4 buns
• 1/2 cup Jalapeño Honey
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Submerge the chicken pieces in the mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best tenderness.
2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then fully coat each piece in the flour mixture.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a pot to 350°F (180°C). Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
4. Step 4: Lightly toast the buns, spread mayonnaise on each, place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, then generously drizzle with jalapeño honey. Top with the other bun and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Allow the chicken to marinate overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
• For an extra crispy crust, double dredge by dipping the chicken back into the marinade and then the flour mixture before frying.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (180°C) to prevent soggy or burnt coating.
• Try substituting chicken with crispy fried tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Add cayenne pepper to jalapeño honey to increase heat.
• Swap jalapeño honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• Experiment with pretzel or ciabatta buns for unique texture and flavor.
• Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the mayonnaise for a fragrant twist.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them in foil or parchment paper to preserve moisture. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken separately from the buns in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Assemble sandwiches fresh to avoid soggy buns.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for the sandwich?

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts offer a leaner option, while thighs are juicier and create a heartier sandwich. Vegetarian alternatives like tofu or portobello mushrooms work well too.

How should I store leftover sandwiches?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, wrapped in foil or parchment to retain moisture. Keep the chicken separate from the buns if possible to prevent sogginess. Reheat chicken in the oven before assembling.

Jalapeño Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

Indulge in a delectable Jalapeño Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich that masterfully blends savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. This recipe features tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken coated in a light, airy, and super-crispy blend of flour and cornstarch, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a luscious drizzle of jalapeño-infused honey. Served on toasted buns with creamy mayonnaise, this sandwich offers an irresistible crunch and a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs
• 1 cup Buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (or taco seasoning as alternative)

For the Coating

• 1 cup Flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• Additional Cajun Seasoning (to taste)

For Frying

• 2 cups Vegetable or Peanut Oil (heat to 350°F / 180°C)

For Assembly

• 4 Buns (lightly toasted)
• 1/2 cup Jalapeño Honey (or honey infused with fresh jalapeños)
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (plain or flavored)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Fully submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse the chicken with bold flavors.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, then thoroughly coat each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even and full coverage for the ultimate crunch.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable or peanut oil in a deep pot or frying pan to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a deep golden brown color and a crispy crust. Use a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lightly toast the buns. Spread mayonnaise on each bun, layer with a piece of the crispy fried chicken, and generously drizzle jalapeño honey over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Notes

• For an extra crispy crust, try double dredging by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and coating it again before frying.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (180°C) during frying to prevent greasy or burnt coating.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing even cooking and retaining crispness.
• Serve immediately or keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven to preserve crispiness.
• Leftovers can be stored wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen separately from buns for up to 2 months.
• Reheat frozen chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crunch.

Keywords: Jalapeño honey, fried chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, spicy honey drizzle, buttermilk marinade, Cajun seasoning, comfort food, American sandwich, homemade fried chicken