This spicy hot honey fried chicken sandwich features succulent chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour and batter, then fried to golden perfection. The chicken is drenched in a hot honey sauce made from honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. It's served on a toasted buttered bun with cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a spread of spicy mayo for an irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Jalapeno honey drenched crispy fried chicken sandwich | Myhomemaderecipe.com

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from a local restaurant that has been a staple in our community, renowned for its fried chicken sandwiches infused with the unique flavor of jalapeno honey. Every time I visit, I am reminded of the perfect balance between the crispy, juicy fried chicken and the sweet, spicy kick of the jalapeno honey. As a cook and food blogger with years of experience, I have always been fascinated by this combination and have spent countless hours perfecting my own version of this dish.

My journey into the world of fried chicken began many years ago, when I first tasted the magic of Southern cuisine. The crispy exterior and tender interior of well-cooked fried chicken are a delight, but adding the dimension of jalapeno honey elevates it to a whole new level. This recipe is a culmination of my experiments and tweaks, aiming to bring you the most delicious and satisfying Jalapeno Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich you've ever had.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Fried Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, trimmed, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (additional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil

For the Sandwiches

  • 4 buns (optionally, lightly toasted)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 large beefsteak or heirloom tomato, sliced
  • 1 cup lettuce
  • 8 strips bacon, cooked
  • 6 tablespoons jalapeno honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in achieving that tender, flavorful bite. Mix together the buttermilk, egg, and cajun seasoning in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

Marinating serves several purposes: it helps to tenderize the meat, adds moisture, and infuses the chicken with a rich flavor profile. If you're short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can make a significant difference, but for the best results, let it sit overnight.

Coating the Chicken

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, additional cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder. Dredge the chicken pieces in this flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

For an extra crispy coating, you can opt for a double coating process. After the initial coating, dip the chicken pieces back into the buttermilk marinade, then coat them again in the flour mixture. This double coating will result in a crunchier exterior.

Frying the Chicken

Heat the vegetable or peanut oil in a large pot to 350°F (180°C). It's essential to use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the right temperature, as this will affect the crispiness of the chicken. Once the oil is hot, carefully place 2-3 chicken pieces into the oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To achieve the perfect crispiness, it's crucial to not overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain the optimal temperature range of 325-350°F (165-180°C). After frying, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or a cooling rack to drain excess oil.

For extra crispy chicken, consider the double fry method: after the initial fry, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before frying it again for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step adds an extra layer of crunch.

If you prefer to keep the fried chicken warm while preparing the rest, place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for up to 20 minutes.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, it's time to assemble the sandwiches. Start by smothering each piece of fried chicken with a generous amount of jalapeno honey. This sweet and spicy sauce is the heart of the dish, adding a depth of flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

Place the fried chicken on a lightly toasted bun. Add a few strips of crispy bacon, some fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and avocado. Finally, drizzle a bit of mayonnaise over the top. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes this sandwich truly special.

Additional Notes

Jalapeno Honey

Making jalapeno honey is a simple yet rewarding process. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup honey
    • 2-3 sliced jalapenos (depending on desired heat level)
  • Instructions:
    • In a small saucepan, bring the honey to a low boil.
    • Add the sliced jalapenos to the honey and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, until the peppers start to slightly wilt.
    • Remove from heat and let cool.
    • Store the jalapeno honey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Warm it before serving.

This jalapeno honey can be used in various recipes beyond just this fried chicken sandwich. It's a versatile condiment that adds a sweet and spicy kick to anything from toast to grilled meats.

Optional Spice Blends

While cajun seasoning provides a rich and aromatic flavor, you can experiment with other spice blends to give your fried chicken a unique twist. Here are a few alternatives:

  • Taco Seasoning: Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy Mexican-inspired flavor.
  • Southern-Style: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper for a classic Southern flavor profile.
  • Italian-Style: Use a mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a Mediterranean twist.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the flavor that suits your taste buds the best.

Air Fryer Option

For those looking for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, an air fryer can be a great option. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • After marinating and coating the chicken, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Check for crispiness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

This method will give you a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 1 hour to overnight
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Final Thoughts

The Jalapeno Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken, sweet and spicy jalapeno honey, crunchy bacon, fresh lettuce, and creamy avocado makes for a deliciously messy sandwich that will leave you craving for more.

Summary

Explore the mouthwatering combination of crispy fried chicken with tangy pickles and flavorful hot honey sauce in this Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe.