Spicy-Sweet Jalapeno Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Sizzling and golden, this jalapeno honey crispy chicken sandwich delivers a tantalizing punch of flavor that dances between sweet and spicy.

Tender chicken gets coated in a crackling, irresistible breading that locks in juiciness and crunch.

The honey rich sweetness perfectly balances the sharp kick of jalapeno, creating a mouthwatering symphony in every bite.

Crisp lettuce and creamy sauce add layers of texture that complement the star of the show – the perfectly fried chicken.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this seriously addictive sandwich that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

Spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this epic culinary creation that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this irresistible recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Tips for Keeping Crispy Sandwiches Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days to maintain crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold sandwiches by warming them in an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and warm interior without losing original crunchiness.
• Marinade Prep Trick: Prepare chicken marinade up to 24 hours ahead, keeping it sealed in the refrigerator to enhance flavor depth and reduce day-of cooking preparation time.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual uncooked breaded chicken pieces separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to one month, allowing convenient meal preparation whenever craving strikes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into a Jalapeno Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich

• Chicken Breasts Or Thighs: Select fresh, high-quality cuts that are evenly thick to ensure consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Buttermilk: Creates tangy marinade that breaks down proteins, making chicken incredibly juicy and soft.
• Large Egg: Helps bind marinade ingredients and enhances coating adhesion for crispy exterior.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Combine for ultra-crispy, light golden crust that stays crunchy after frying.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds bold, spicy flavor profile with complex herb and pepper notes.
• Baking Powder: Creates extra airiness and ensures extremely crisp, delicate breading.

• Buns: Choose soft, slightly sturdy rolls that can hold crispy chicken without falling apart.
• Jalapeno Honey: Provides sweet-spicy glaze that elevates sandwich with vibrant, tangy kick.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and helps balance spicy-sweet flavors.
• Vegetable Oil Or Peanut Oil: Perfect for deep frying, providing neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Frying Tools for Spicy-Sweet Chicken Sandwiches

• Large Pot: Essential for deep-frying chicken with enough space to safely submerge pieces.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature precisely at 350F/180C for perfect frying.
• Wire Racks: Critical for draining excess oil from fried chicken and allowing air circulation.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing marinade and flour coating mixture.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling and flipping chicken in hot oil.
• Baking Sheet: Useful for holding coated chicken before frying.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for slicing jalapeños or adjusting chicken if needed.

How to Assemble the Ultimate Crispy Chicken Sandwich

• Flavor Infusion

Submerge chicken pieces in a tangy buttermilk bath with zesty seasonings, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for several hours or overnight.

• Crispy Coating Preparation

Create a magical blend of dry ingredients that will transform ordinary chicken into a crunchy masterpiece, ensuring each piece gets a perfect, even layer of seasoned flour mixture.

• Oil Temperature Magic

Carefully heat oil to the perfect sizzling point, waiting for that golden moment when chicken will transform into a crispy delight without absorbing excess oil.

• Golden Brown Transformation

Gently lower seasoned chicken into hot oil, watching it turn into a gorgeous amber color that promises incredible crunch and flavor, cooking each side to perfection.

• Sandwich Assembly

Warm and welcoming buns become the canvas for your culinary creation, layered with creamy spread and crowned with the star of the show – the crispy chicken.

• Spicy Sweet Finale

Drizzle a luxurious blend of fiery jalapeno and sweet honey over the chicken, creating a mouthwatering finish that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Spice and Sweetness Balance Tips

• Replace cajun seasoning with your favorite blend like Memphis BBQ rub or Tex-Mex spice mix for exciting flavor transformations.
• No buttermilk? Easily make your own by mixing regular milk with a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Want milder flavor? Remove jalapeno seeds before making honey sauce to reduce spiciness while keeping delicious pepper taste.
• Double-dredge chicken by repeating flour coating process for extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp longer after frying, ensuring maximum texture satisfaction.
• For those avoiding deep-frying, try baking coated chicken on a wire rack in a 425F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve golden crispiness with less oil.

Sandwich Serving Suggestions for a Gourmet Feel

• Spicy Picnic Perfect: Pack these sandwiches in a cooler for outdoor summer gatherings. They'll stay crispy and delicious, making them an ideal portable meal for beach trips or park lunches.
• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair the sandwich with tangy coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables. The crisp, cool sides balance the spicy and sweet notes of the jalapeno honey chicken perfectly.
• Game Day Champion: Serve these sandwiches as crowd-pleasing party food during sports events. Cut into smaller sliders for easy sharing and watch guests devour them quickly. Extra jalapeno honey on the side lets everyone customize their heat level.
• Side Kick Companions: Crispy potato wedges or fresh corn on the cob make excellent side dishes. Their simple flavors complement the bold sandwich without overwhelming the main star of the meal.

Spicy Jalapeno Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean-inspired jalapeno honey crispy chicken sandwich delivers sizzling flavor combinations that elevate classic comfort cuisine. Crisp breading, sweet-hot glazed chicken, and tangy slaw create perfect balance for hungry diners seeking bold culinary experiences.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (960 mL) vegetable or peanut oil
• 1 pound (454 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, trimmed to about ½ inch thick
• ¾ cup (180 mL) buttermilk
• 4 buns, optionally lightly toasted
• 1 cup (120 g) flour
• 6 tablespoons (90 mL) jalapeno honey
• 4 tablespoons (60 mL) mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Immerse chicken in a zesty blend of buttermilk, egg, and Cajun seasoning for profound flavor infusion, ideally overnight or a minimum of 1 hour.
2. Coat and Prepare: Drain marinated chicken, then enrobe each piece in a seasoned mixture of flour, Cajun spice, cornstarch, and baking powder; arrange on a wire rack to ensure uniform coverage.
3. Heat and Fry: Warm oil to a precise 350°F (180°C), carefully introducing coated chicken pieces to minimize oil splashing; fry until achieving a lustrous golden-brown exterior, rotating periodically for even cooking, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Rest and Hold: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack for excess oil drainage, then maintain warmth in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven while completing the batch.
5. Assemble Sandwich: Toast buns until edges crisp, spread mayonnaise on interior surfaces, layer the crispy jalapeño-seasoned chicken, and finish with a generous drizzle of spicy-sweet jalapeño honey.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Ensure chicken sits in buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to guarantee maximum flavor absorption and tenderize meat thoroughly.
• Coating Technique: Shake off excess marinade before dredging to prevent clumpy breading; use a wire rack to allow excess flour mixture to fall away, creating an ultra-crispy exterior.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature for perfectly crisp chicken without greasy results; use a digital thermometer for precise monitoring.
• Rest and Drain: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms, allowing excess oil to drip away and maintaining maximum crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg