Description
This Jalapeno Honey Drenched Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich combines juicy, tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and Cajun seasoning, coated in a crispy spiced batter, then fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with sweet and spicy jalapeno honey and creamy mayonnaise, served on toasted buns, it’s a flavorful and crunchy sandwich ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about ½ inch thick)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for marinade)
Breading
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for breading)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
Frying
- 4 cups vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
Assembly
- 4 buns, optionally toasted
- 6 tbsp jalapeno honey
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder. This mixture will create a crispy coating that’s well-seasoned.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable or peanut oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot to about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the chicken to a perfect crisp without absorbing excess oil.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating for maximum crunch.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toast the Buns: While the chicken fries, toast the buns lightly in a pan or oven to add a slight crunch and prevent sogginess from the toppings.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top, then drizzle generously with jalapeno honey for a perfect balance of sweet heat. Cover with the bun top and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to the sandwich.
- Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar if unavailable.
- Use peanut oil for a higher smoke point and slightly nuttier flavor.
- Jalapeno honey can be homemade by infusing honey with diced jalapenos for 1-2 days.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy chicken.
