Name: Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); ¼ cup honey; 2-3 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds optional for less heat); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Pinch of salt; 4 sandwich buns, toasted; Lettuce, shredded; Tomato slices; Pickles, optional; Optional: mayonnaise or aioli

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Introduction

This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Crispy fried chicken thighs are topped with a luscious jalapeno-infused honey drizzle, served on toasted buns with fresh toppings. It’s an irresistible twist on a classic favorite that will quickly become a go-to meal.

A close-up view of a fried chicken sandwich showing a shiny, golden-brown sesame seed bun on top and a soft, light-colored bun at the bottom. Inside, there are crispy, deeply fried chicken pieces coated with a crunchy, textured crust and covered with a glossy sauce. On top of the chicken, there are fresh, green jalapeño slices adding a pop of color, and a zigzag drizzle of creamy white mayo. The sandwich rests on a white basket liner with red polka dots, placed against a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)
¼ cup honey
2-3 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds optional for less heat)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt
4 sandwich buns, toasted
Lettuce, shredded
Tomato slices
Pickles, optional
Optional: mayonnaise or aioli

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
Step 2: Dip the chicken thighs into the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 3: Press the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, coating all sides evenly.
Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: To prepare the jalapeno honey drizzle, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat.
Step 7: Add the finely chopped jalapenos to the honey and cook for 3-5 minutes to infuse the heat.
Step 8: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, then simmer for another 1-2 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 9: Assemble the sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise or aioli on the toasted buns, adding shredded lettuce, tomato slices, the fried chicken, and drizzling generously with the jalapeno honey.
Step 10: Add pickles if desired, then top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture before frying.
Adjust the heat level by removing the seeds from the jalapenos or using milder peppers.
Substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will offer juicier results.
Add a slice of cheese like pepper jack or cheddar for a creamy contrast to the spicy honey.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken and jalapeno honey drizzle separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to help retain its crispiness. Warm the honey drizzle gently on the stove before using.

How to Serve

A sandwich with three layers: at the bottom is a soft white bun, topped with sliced green jalapeños covered in a creamy white sauce with herbs. Above this sits a crispy fried chicken piece with a golden-brown crunchy texture, glazed with a shiny orange sauce that drips down. The top layer is a toasted white bun with a slight shine and soft inside. The sandwich rests on white paper over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after frying.

How spicy is the jalapeno honey drizzle?

The drizzle has a moderate heat depending on how many jalapenos you use and whether you include the seeds. You can reduce the spiciness by removing the seeds or using fewer jalapenos.