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If you’re craving a sandwich that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors with a crispy, juicy punch, this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe will become your new obsession. Imagine tender chicken thighs marinated and fried to golden perfection, then slathered in a luscious honey-chipotle sauce that dances on your taste buds with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Each bite is a delightful journey of bold flavors and satisfying textures that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe might look complex at first glance, the ingredients are straightforward and approachable. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements that make this sandwich so irresistible.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Packed with smoky heat, these peppers form the spicy backbone of the sauce.
- Pure honey: Adds natural sweetness and sticky texture that balances the chipotle’s fire.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the richness of the sauce and deepens its caramel notes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a subtle umami complexity to the mix.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and helps meld the flavors together smoothly.
- Garlic paste or minced garlic: Adds fragrant warmth to both sauce and marinade.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the dish with vibrant citrus notes to cut through richness.
- Creole Cajun Seasoning: Delivers a smoky, spicy kick that’s quintessentially Southern.
- Freshly chopped dill: Offers a fresh herbal lift, especially in the coleslaw.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A tiny extra spark of heat for those who love it spicy.
- Tri-color coleslaw mix: Brings crispy, colorful crunch and refreshing tang.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The juicy, tender heart of this sandwich.
- Kosher salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika: The essential seasoning blend that coats the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Whole buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and ensures the coating sticks perfectly.
- Dill pickle juice (optional): Adds a subtle briny tang to the marinade.
- All-purpose flour: The crispy crust starts here.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: For that golden, crunchy fry.
- Brioche or potato buns: Soft, lightly toasted buns that hold all the goodness together.
- Dill pickle chips: A classic accompaniment adding extra zest and crunch.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Chipotle Sauce
Start by blending the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Creole Cajun seasoning, dill, and red pepper flakes if using. This sauce is where the magic happens—it’s creamy, smoky, sweet, and spicy all at once. Set it aside so the flavors can marry beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with dill pickle juice if you have it, plus half of your seasoning blend of kosher salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture and let them soak up all that richness for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have time. This step is crucial for juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Whisk together the remaining seasonings and mix them into the all-purpose flour. Dredge each marinated chicken thigh thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure every inch is coated. This flour coating transforms into a crispy, flavorful shell when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable or peanut oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for approximately 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is a stunning golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Drain on paper towels to keep it crisp and avoid sogginess.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Lightly toast your brioche or potato buns to add a subtle crunch and warmth. Spread a generous amount of the honey chipotle sauce on the bottom bun, place the hot fried chicken thigh on top, then pile on the tri-color coleslaw. Cap it with more sauce if you’re feeling decadent, then seal your masterpiece with the top bun and a few dill pickle chips on the side.
How to Serve Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs or extra lemon zest sprinkled on the coleslaw can elevate the sandwich’s brightness and aroma, making it feel even more homemade and inviting. Adding a handful of crisp dill pickle chips on the side offers the perfect tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve this sandwich alongside classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even a simple cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. A cold glass of lemonade or a hoppy craft beer pairs beautifully to cut through the richness and complement the spicy honey-chipotle notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving mini sliders with smaller buns at your next casual gathering for easy, bite-sized enjoyment. Or lay out a DIY sandwich bar with extra sauce, slaw, pickles, and fresh herbs so everyone can build their own perfect Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the honey chipotle sauce and coleslaw separate to maintain their textures before assembling fresh sandwiches later.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken thighs individually wrapped in plastic and foil or freezer bags for up to 2 months. The sauce and coleslaw do not freeze well, so prepare those fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes on a wire rack to regain crispiness without drying out. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or microwave before assembling to enjoy that perfect blend of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving during frying thanks to their higher fat content.
Is there a substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
If you’re out of chipotle peppers, smoked paprika combined with a little cayenne pepper can mimic the smoky heat, but you’ll miss the unique depth chipotles provide.
How spicy is this sandwich?
This sandwich has a gentle but noticeable kick thanks to the chipotles and optional red pepper flakes—the honey rounds it out nicely so it’s not overwhelming.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The honey chipotle sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge, which actually helps deepen its flavor.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil works best because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, ensuring perfectly crispy, golden chicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe that’s bursting with layers of flavor and textures. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a treat to make at home when you want to impress yourself or guests. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find all kinds of excuses to make this spicy-sweet, crunchy delight time and again.
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Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich offers a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, featuring crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a honey chipotle glaze. Paired with zesty coleslaw and creamy dill mayo on toasted brioche buns, it’s a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that combines a delightful crunch with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Honey Chipotle Sauce
- 1 (7.5 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup light or dark packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Dill Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Coleslaw
- 2 heaping cups store-bought, tri-color coleslaw mix
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche or potato buns, halved & lightly toasted
- Dill pickle chips, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pure honey, brown sugar, and low-sodium soy sauce. Blend until smooth. Set aside to use as a glaze for the chicken.
- Make the Dill Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic paste, lemon zest and juice, Creole Cajun seasoning, chopped dill, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, dill pickle juice (if using), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2/3 teaspoon white pepper, 2/3 teaspoon onion powder, and 2/3 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the Dry Coating: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/3 teaspoon white pepper, 1/3 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to create a thick coating. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough vegetable or peanut oil to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Glaze the Chicken: While still warm, brush the fried chicken generously with the prepared honey chipotle sauce to coat. This adds a sweet, smoky, and spicy glaze that complements the savory fried chicken.
- Prepare the Coleslaw: Toss the tri-color coleslaw mix with a little of the dill mayonnaise prepared earlier to lightly coat. Set aside without overdressing to maintain crunch.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a layer of dill mayonnaise on the bottom half of the toasted brioche buns. Add a handful of the dressed coleslaw, then place a glazed fried chicken thigh on top. Finish with dill pickle chips and the top bun. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some chipotle peppers in small pieces in the sauce.
- Using dill pickle juice in the marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tanginess.
- Make sure oil temperature is consistent to ensure crispy chicken without burning.
- Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
- Leftover honey chipotle sauce can be refrigerated and used as a dipping sauce or glaze for other dishes.
