Description
Ultra crispy, juicy, and layered with sweet heat, this hot honey crispy chicken sandwich features spice-seasoned fried chicken, homemade jalapeño hot honey, and simple toppings for an unforgettable bite.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large egg whites
- 1–2 quarts peanut, canola, or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup honey
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
- Sesame buns, toasted
- Mayo
- Cheese slices (optional)
Instructions
- Place pounded chicken breasts on a lined tray and sprinkle both sides evenly with kosher salt. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and white pepper in a bowl. Sprinkle half over the chicken and gently pat in.
- Combine flour and cornstarch with the remaining spice mix. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg whites, and hot sauce. Add 1/4 cup of the wet mix to the flour and stir to create clumps.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the wet mixture, and return to the flour mix, pressing to adhere. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Prepare a cooling rack over a baking sheet.
- Fry 2–3 chicken pieces at a time for about 8 minutes, rotating every 3–4 minutes. Maintain oil between 325°F–350°F. Optional: double fry for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- In a small saucepan, heat honey with sliced jalapeños and red chili over medium-low until lightly boiling. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cool and store.
- Toast sesame buns. Spread mayo on the bottom bun, add cheese if using, top with fried chicken, drizzle with hot honey, and finish with the top bun.
Notes
- Double frying adds extra crunch but is optional.
- Adjust the heat level of the hot honey by changing the type or amount of peppers.
- Rest chicken on a rack to prevent sogginess.
- Use rice flour for a lighter coating.
- Prepare hot honey in advance and store at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
