Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
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There is nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a perfectly crunchy yet juicy chicken sandwich layered with sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. The Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe perfectly blends the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the smooth sweetness of honey, creating a sauce that transforms simple fried chicken into a crave-worthy masterpiece. Paired with a zesty Cajun lemon dill slaw and nestled in a toasted bun, this sandwich is guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that harmonize to create a bold, unforgettable flavor. Each component adds a unique touch—from the rich buttermilk marinade tenderizing the chicken to the tangy slaw brightening every bite.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Provides smoky heat and depth to the honey chipotle sauce.
- Pure honey: Balances spice with natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel richness that complements the smoky peppers.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Offers umami and saltiness to the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Creates creaminess in the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw.
- Garlic paste or minced garlic: Infuses both sauce and slaw with savory punch.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brightens and lifts the flavors in the slaw.
- Creole Cajun seasoning: Adds bold spice and complexity.
- Freshly chopped dill: Introduces a fresh herbal note essential for the slaw.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Provides extra heat if desired.
- Tri-color coleslaw mix: Adds vibrant color, crunch, and freshness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for frying.
- Kosher salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika: Classic seasoning blend that elevates the chicken.
- Whole buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and locks in moisture.
- Dill pickle juice (optional): Adds tanginess and complexity to the marinade.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy, golden dredge.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
- Brioche or potato buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold everything together.
- Dill pickle chips: Tangy crunch that adds the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
The magic starts here! Blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon zest and juice until silky smooth. This sauce is a knockout with its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Store it in an airtight container so it’s ready to amp up your fried chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw
Next, mix the tri-color coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, garlic, Creole Cajun seasoning, fresh dill, lemon juice, and zest. Toss until every shred is coated in this creamy, zesty dressing. Refrigerate the slaw to let the flavors marry beautifully while you get the chicken ready.
Step 3: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry to ensure a good crust. Season evenly with salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Then, submerge the chicken in a marinade of buttermilk and optional dill pickle juice. This combination tenderizes and infuses the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful after frying. For best results, marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Flour Dredge and Heat the Oil
Mix all-purpose flour with the remaining seasoning blend for a flavorful coating. Heat your frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350-370°F—this temperature is perfect for crispiness without greasiness.
Step 5: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Coat each marinated chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess to avoid clumps. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe, juicy doneness. Drain on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
Step 6: Sauce and Assemble the Sandwich
Once the chicken is fried, generously coat each piece with the luscious honey chipotle sauce you prepared earlier. Place the sauced chicken onto a toasted bun, top it with a healthy scoop of your Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw, and finish with dill pickle chips for that tangy crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate experience of sweet heat and crisp freshness.
How to Serve Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra garnishes can bring your sandwich to new heights. Fresh dill sprigs add a pop of color and herbaceous aroma, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you want more heat. Don’t forget extra dill pickle chips on the side—they’re essential for that bright, tangy punch with each bite.
Side Dishes
This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Crispy seasoned fries or sweet potato fries offer satisfying crunch. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can lighten the meal, or serve alongside black beans and corn salsa for a southwestern twist. The key is balancing the bold sandwich flavors with complementary textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just elevate your meal, consider serving sliders using smaller buns for a fun appetizer version. Layer your sandwich in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation or assemble it open-faced to showcase the vibrant slaw and glossy honey chipotle sauce. A rustic wooden board and colorful napkins bring warmth and an inviting vibe to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the slaw chilled as well. Avoid assembling the sandwich in advance to preserve the crispness of the chicken and texture of the bun.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked fried chicken after it cools completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The sauce and slaw are best made fresh, but the chicken freezes beautifully and can be reheated later.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it in a 350°F oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy. Add sauce and fresh slaw after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work too. Just be mindful that breasts can dry out more easily, so don’t over-fry and consider marinating a bit longer.
Is there a substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
If you can’t find chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika with a touch of cayenne pepper is a good stand-in. It won’t be exactly the same but will maintain a smoky, spicy profile. You can also use a chipotle powder if available.
How spicy is this sandwich? Can I adjust heat levels?
The sandwich has a pleasant warmth balanced by honey sweetness, making it approachable for most spice lovers. You can adjust heat by adding or omitting the red pepper flakes in the slaw and by controlling how many chipotle peppers you use in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dredging step and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so with these swaps, you’re good to go.
What’s the best bun for this sandwich?
Brioche and potato buns are fantastic choices because they are soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. Their slight sweetness complements the honey chipotle sauce, enhancing the overall flavor balance perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping, flavor-packed sandwich that packs a punch while still feeling comforting, this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s a joyful combination of crispy, saucy, and fresh elements that come together in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be planning your next batch before you finish the first!
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Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus at least 3 hours marinating
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich combines spicy, smoky chipotle peppers with sweet honey in a crispy fried chicken thigh sandwich layered with a zesty Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw. The bold flavors, creamy sauce, and tangy pickles atop a soft toasted brioche bun make for an irresistible, flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes plus marinating time.
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
Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw
- 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)
- 2 heaping cups store-bought tri-color coleslaw mix
Fried Chicken
- 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
To Assemble
- 4 brioche or potato buns, halved and lightly toasted
- Dill pickle chips, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Honey Chipotle Sauce: Combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Transfer the sauce into an airtight container and set aside.
- Make Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw: In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, garlic paste, lemon zest and juice, Creole Cajun seasoning, chopped dill, red pepper flakes (if using), and tri-color coleslaw mix. Toss thoroughly to coat the slaw evenly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a bowl and cover with the buttermilk and optional dill pickle juice. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare Flour Dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 350-370°F (175-188°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature for crispy frying results.
- Dredge and Fry the Chicken: Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Fry the chicken thighs in batches in the hot oil for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Drain and Sauce the Chicken: Using tongs, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Immediately brush or spoon the honey chipotle sauce generously over each piece while still hot.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place each sauced fried chicken thigh on the bottom half of a toasted brioche or potato bun. Top with a generous helping of the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw and dill pickle chips. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm and enjoy the combination of spicy, sweet, tangy, and crispy flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- Use a thermometer when frying to maintain proper oil temperature and prevent greasy chicken.
- Substitute chipotle peppers with chipotle powder if fresh peppers are unavailable, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- The dill pickle juice in the marinade is optional but adds a great tangy depth.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes in the slaw or sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
