Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
A mouthwatering Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich featuring juicy fried chicken thighs coated in a flavorful seasoned flour crust, drizzled with a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey sauce, and served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce and tomato. This sandwich balances heat and sweetness with a crispy, tender bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Dip in Buttermilk: Coat the chicken thighs evenly by dredging them in buttermilk, which tenderizes and adds moisture.
- Coat with Flour Mixture: Press the buttermilk-coated chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated to form a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey. Add finely chopped jalapenos and cook for 3-5 minutes to infuse the honey with heat.
- Add Vinegar and Salt: Stir in apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, then simmer for 1-2 minutes more. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the sandwich buns and layer each with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, optional pickles, the fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey sauce. Add mayonnaise or aioli if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust jalapeno seeds to control heat level in the honey drizzle.
- Buttermilk tenderizes chicken and promotes a crispy crust; whole milk can be used as a substitute with slightly less tang.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F to ensure crispy, non-greasy fried chicken.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep it crispy.
- Honey glaze enhances flavor when drizzled warm or slightly cooled.
- Optional toppings like pickles and aioli add extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler sandwich.
Keywords: fried chicken sandwich, jalapeno honey drizzle, spicy fried chicken, crispy chicken sandwich, homemade chicken sandwich