Name: Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; 4 brioche buns; 4 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 8 dill pickle slices

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If you’re craving a meal that hits every note – spicy, sweet, crispy, and utterly satisfying – this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender chicken thighs marinated for maximum juiciness, fried to golden perfection, and slathered with a luscious honey chipotle mayo, all tucked into a pillowy brioche bun with crunchy lettuce and tangy pickles. This sandwich doesn’t just taste incredible; it’s a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, there’s no resisting the bold flavors and irresistible texture packed into every single bite.

Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredient list for this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, and together, they create a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, flavorful bites that stay tender after frying.
Buttermilk: The secret to ultra-tender chicken, this tangy marinade base helps break down the meat and adds subtle richness.
Hot Sauce: A splash wakes up the marinade and gives the chicken a little kick right from the start.
Garlic Powder: For that savory, aromatic depth that makes every bite irresistible.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a crisp, golden crust.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the coating and the chicken itself.
Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and rounds out the spice blend.
Onion Powder: Layers in extra savory, slightly sweet notes.
Cayenne Pepper: For those who love a little extra fire in their sandwich!
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying, as it heats evenly for consistent crispiness.
Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, these buns hold everything together and complement the spicy filling.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for that dreamy honey chipotle sauce.
Honey: Adds sticky sweetness and balances the smoky heat.
Chipotle in Adobo: Smoky, spicy, and complex – just a little goes a long way in the sauce.
Shredded Lettuce: Brings crunch and a fresh, cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
Dill Pickle Slices: Their tangy snap cuts through the richness for a perfect finish.

How to Make Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and let them soak for at least one hour in the fridge (overnight is even better!). This step ensures the chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with smoky, spicy goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour forms the shatteringly crisp coating that makes this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe so irresistible. Don’t skimp on the spices – they really make the crust pop!

Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken

Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. This is your ticket to that signature deep crunch. Set the coated chicken aside on a rack while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to a depth of about 1 inch, then heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the floured chicken thighs and fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to keep them crisp and light.

Step 5: Mix the Honey Chipotle Mayo

While the chicken rests, quickly stir together the mayonnaise, honey, and finely chopped chipotle in adobo in a small bowl. This creamy, sweet, and smoky spread is the flavor hero of the Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Adjust the chipotle to suit your spice preference.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast the brioche buns if you like a little extra texture. Spread a generous layer of honey chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by a hot fried chicken thigh, and finish with a couple of dill pickle slices. Cap it all with the top bun, press gently, and serve immediately while everything is perfectly crisp and fresh.

How to Serve Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching sandwich, don’t hesitate to pile on the garnishes. A sprinkle of extra shredded lettuce, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a few fresh cilantro leaves will brighten up the plate. If you love spice, add a few extra dabs of chipotle in adobo or a slice of fresh jalapeño for that bold look and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides. Think crispy French fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even sweet potato wedges. For a lighter touch, serve with a simple green salad dressed with a citrusy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the fried chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some flair to your table by serving the sandwiches on a wooden board with all the fixings on the side. Let guests build their own with extra sauces, pickled veggies, and a variety of greens. For parties, try making slider-sized versions using mini brioche buns – they’re just as delicious and perfect for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra fried chicken, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the buns and toppings separate to maintain that crave-worthy crunch when reheated.

Freezing

The fried chicken thighs freeze surprisingly well. Arrange cooled pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a sandwich, just reheat from frozen for a quick, satisfying meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat fried chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Reassemble your sandwich with fresh buns, lettuce, and pickles for a just-made experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.

How spicy is the honey chipotle mayo?

The honey chipotle mayo has a balanced heat thanks to the smoky chipotle peppers and sweet honey. You can always adjust the amount of chipotle to suit your spice tolerance – start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, or add more for extra kick.

What’s the best way to toast brioche buns?

For the ultimate texture, lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown. This adds flavor and helps keep the buns from getting soggy with the sauce and juices.

Can I make the honey chipotle mayo in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on your sandwich for the freshest flavor.

Is this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead, then fry and assemble when you’re ready to eat. For best texture, assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fried chicken fanatic or simply looking for a sandwich that’s packed with bold flavors, this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is sure to win you over. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen – it’s too good not to share, so grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a homemade masterpiece!

Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich features crispy, juicy fried chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices, then topped with a sweet and smoky chipotle honey mayo, fresh lettuce, and dill pickles, all served on a soft brioche bun. Perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Breading

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Other Ingredients

Vegetable oil for frying
4 brioche buns
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
1 cup shredded lettuce
8 dill pickle slices

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged, and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
Mix Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture for dredging the chicken.
Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil for the chicken to be fully submerged or partially fried.
Bread Chicken: Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to coat thoroughly.
Fry Chicken: Carefully place breaded chicken thighs into the hot oil and fry for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken is cooked through. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare Chipotle Honey Mayo: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, and finely chopped chipotle in adobo until smooth and well combined.
Toast Buns: Optionally toast the brioche buns lightly to enhance texture and flavor.
Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the chipotle honey mayo evenly on the bottom halves of each bun. Layer with a fried chicken thigh, shredded lettuce, and dill pickle slices. Top with the bun halves and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo according to your preferred spice level.
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Add coleslaw for an extra crunchy texture and refreshing tang.
Let the chicken marinate overnight for deeper flavor and juiciness.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature to ensure crispy and evenly cooked chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American