Craving the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and crispy? Look no further! This Honey Sriracha Fried Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that elevates the classic chicken sandwich to new heights. With crispy fried chicken thighs, a tantalizing honey Sriracha glaze, and a spicy kick from the sauce, this recipe brings bold flavors together in a soft brioche bun. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken thighs: The star of the dish, juicy and tender, marinated to perfection.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer, giving the chicken a succulent texture.
- Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and onion powder): These blend to infuse the chicken with layers of flavor before frying.
For the Dry Batter:
- Flour and cornstarch: These create the crispy coating that’s essential for any fried chicken sandwich.
- Seasonings: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
For the Wet Batter:
- Use the spiced buttermilk from the marinade to keep the chicken moist while helping the flour stick for that ultimate crunch.
For the Sriracha Honey Glaze:
- Mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey: This glaze brings the perfect sweet and spicy contrast that makes the fried chicken pop.
- Chives: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
For the Spicy Sauce:
- A creamy yet fiery blend of mayonnaise, Sriracha, garlic powder, and onion powder, with the added heat of jalapeños and crunch of red onions.
For Assembly:
- Brioche buns: Soft and buttery, these buns hold up well against the juicy chicken.
- Lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and pickles: Fresh, crunchy toppings balance out the richness of the fried chicken and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight for extra flavor and tenderness). This will not only infuse the chicken with bold spices but will also keep it moist and juicy.
2. Prepare the Dry Batter:
In a wide bowl, mix the dry batter ingredients: flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination will give the chicken that perfect golden-brown crispy coating.
3. Set Up the Wet Batter:
Use the remaining buttermilk marinade from the chicken as your wet batter. This spiced buttermilk will ensure the flour sticks well to the chicken, giving it that signature crunch when fried.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each marinated chicken thigh and coat it first in the dry batter, then dip it in the wet batter, and coat it once again in the dry batter. This double coating ensures maximum crispiness.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and shallow-fry the chicken in batches for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through to a juicy perfection.
6. Make the Honey Sriracha Glaze:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the honey Sriracha glaze by mixing mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and chives in a bowl. Once the chicken is done frying, coat each piece with this irresistible glaze.
7. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, chopped red onion, jalapeño (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. This creamy, spicy sauce will add an extra layer of heat and richness to the sandwich.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Now for the fun part! Toast your brioche buns lightly for extra texture. Spread the spicy sauce generously on both sides of the bun. Add fresh lettuce, onion slices, tomato slices, and pickle cucumber for that necessary crunch. Place your beautifully fried, glazed chicken thigh on the bun and top it with the other half of the bun.
Final Thoughts:
This Honey Sriracha Fried Chicken Sandwich is a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken, sweet heat from the honey Sriracha glaze, and creamy spiciness from the sauce. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this sandwich will hit the spot. Serve with your favorite side of fries or coleslaw, and you’re good to go!
Enjoy the bold flavors, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to fried chicken sandwich recipe!
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