Description
A crispy, flavorful Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich featuring tender fried chicken thighs coated in a spicy, sweet honey chipotle sauce, served on soft brioche buns with melted cheese and optional pickles or coleslaw for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- Pickles or coleslaw (optional)
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken, cover, and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for about 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Prepare the Buns and Cheese: Toast the brioche buns lightly if desired. While the chicken is still hot, place a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese on each piece to allow it to melt slightly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Drizzle or brush the fried chicken generously with the honey chipotle sauce. Place the chicken on the bottom bun, add pickles or coleslaw if using, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk after the first dredge, then coat in flour mixture again before frying.
- The honey chipotle sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful sandwiches, but breasts work well if preferred.
- Be careful with the cayenne and chipotle peppers if you prefer a milder spice level; adjust quantities accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus at least 1 hour marinating
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
