Description
Spicy Honey BBQ Crispy Chicken Sandwich
“Crispy, juicy fried chicken smothered in a sweet and spicy honey BBQ glaze, layered with melty cheese on a toasted sesame bun—pure indulgence!”
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Breading:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce:
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For Assembly:
2 sesame seed burger buns
2 slices cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix buttermilk with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Add chicken and let marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra flavor).
Prepare the Breading
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat in the flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
Make the Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, and smoked paprika.
Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes.
Assemble the Sandwich
Toast burger buns with butter until golden.
Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom bun.
Add crispy fried chicken and smother it with the honey BBQ sauce.
Top with the bun and serve hot!
A bold, sweet, and spicy chicken sandwich that will have you craving more! Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, prepare the chicken by pounding the breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking. For the marinade, combine buttermilk and spices in a resealable bag, add chicken, and refrigerate. For the breading, mix dry ingredients in a shallow dish. Dredge each marinated breast thoroughly, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a craggy, textured coating. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere. Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F. Fry until internal temperature reaches 165°F. While chicken rests, prepare the sauce and toast the buttered buns in a skillet until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sandwich pairs beautifully with lighter, cooling sides. Classic options include crisp dill pickle spears, a simple coleslaw, or waffle fries. For a fresh contrast, serve with a garden salad or chilled cucumber salad. A cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade perfectly balances the sandwich’s spicy-sweet flavors.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Marinate chicken in seasoned buttermilk (1+ hours). Dredge in a flour-cornstarch breading mix. Fry at 350°F until golden and cooked through. Simmer BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, and paprika. Toast buns, layer with cheese, hot chicken, and sauce. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. For a baked version, place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be less crispy than deep-frying.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the breading and ensure your BBQ sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare components ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken overnight and make the sauce 2-3 days in advance. However, bread and fry the chicken just before assembling for optimal crispiness.
4. What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled before using.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store components separately. Reheat fried chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving will make it soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once drops oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy chicken.
- Not Letting the Breading Set: Frying immediately after breading can cause the coating to fall off. Let it rest first.
- Using Cold Sauce on Hot Chicken: The sauce should be warm when applied so it clings to the chicken and melts the cheese.
- Skipping the Wire Rack: Draining fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate traps steam, making the bottom soggy. A wire rack keeps it crispy all over.
Conclusion
This Spicy Honey BBQ Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a masterful blend of textures and flavors, combining heat, sweetness, and crunch. While it requires a few key steps—proper marinating, careful breading, and precise frying—the spectacular result is well worth the effort. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality sandwich at home. It’s the ultimate treat for a special meal or whenever a bold, satisfying craving strikes.