Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed delight that will tantalize your taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy. Imagine crispy, golden-brown fried chicken thighs, marinated to perfection and coated in a tantalizing honey chipotle sauce, nestled between toasted brioche buns with a creamy Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw. This sandwich is a symphony of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Complex Flavors: The honey chipotle sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and heat, while the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Crispy and Juicy Chicken: The buttermilk marinade ensures tender, juicy chicken, while the seasoned flour coating provides a satisfying crunch.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite toppings for a personalized sandwich experience.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich:

For the honey chipotle sauce:

• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Provides a smoky, spicy flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
• Pure honey: Adds a natural sweetness, balancing the spiciness of the chipotle peppers.
• Light or dark packed brown sugar: Adds depth and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich flavor, enhancing the complexity of the sauce.

For the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw:

• Full-fat mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the slaw dressing.
• Garlic paste or minced garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the slaw.
• Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Creole Cajun Seasoning: Adds a blend of spices, providing a rich and complex flavor profile that’s characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
• Freshly chopped dill: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note, adding brightness and a touch of green to the slaw.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, provides a subtle heat, adding a pleasant kick to the slaw.
• Store-bought tri-color coleslaw mix: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the slaw.

For the fried chicken & sandwich assembly:

• Boneless/skinless chicken thighs: Provides a tender and flavorful protein source, perfect for frying.
• Kosher salt, garlic powder, ground white pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika: Used to season the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors.
• Whole buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor, creating a moist and flavorful base.
• Dill pickle juice: Optional, adds a tangy, briny flavor, complementing the buttermilk marinade.
• All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken, creating a crispy exterior and absorbing excess moisture.
• Vegetable or peanut oil: Used for frying, providing a neutral base that allows the flavors of the chicken to shine.
• Brioche or potato buns: Provides a soft, slightly sweet base for the sandwich.
• Dill pickle chips: For serving, adds a tangy, crunchy element to the sandwich.

How to Make Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container.

Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw

Combine all slaw ingredients in a large bowl and toss until well combined. Cover and refrigerate.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Marinate in buttermilk and pickle juice (if using) for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

Combine flour, salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow plate.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken

Brush the fried chicken with honey chipotle sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place the coated fried chicken on the bottom bun, top with slaw and pickle chips. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight ensures the most tender and flavorful results.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for even cooking and crispy chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and ensure crispy chicken.
• Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the heat level of the sauce.

How to Serve

• Main Course: Serve as a main course with your favorite sides, such as fries, onion rings, or potato salad.
• Picnic or BBQ: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings.
• Game Day: Ideal for game-day snacks or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer until warmed through and crispy. Assemble the sandwiches fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can use other sauces like barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce.

Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, and creamy slaw create a truly unforgettable meal. Give it a try, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality sandwich ready in no time!

Print