Jalapeño Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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