Description
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich combines tender, juicy fried chicken with a spicy-sweet kick of jalapeno honey. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and coated in a crispy flour crust, these sandwiches deliver a delicious balance of heat and sweetness that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about ½ inch thick)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Coating
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
Frying & Assembly
- 4 cups vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
- 4 buns, optionally toasted
- 6 tbsp jalapeno honey
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Submerge the chicken breasts or thighs in the mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for best flavor and tenderness.
- Make the Coating: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture for the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable or peanut oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, heating it over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct frying temperature to achieve crispy, golden chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off before dredging thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press firmly to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Use tongs to turn the chicken for even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried chicken onto a wire rack over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, place the crispy fried chicken on top, then drizzle each piece generously with 1.5 tablespoons of jalapeno honey. Top with the other bun half. Optionally, toast the buns beforehand for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately while hot and crispy for the best experience. These sandwiches pair well with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer improves tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for optimal crispiness and to avoid greasy chicken.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno honey based on your spice and sweetness preference.
- If preferred, substitute mayonnaise with a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but will lose some crispiness.
