Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns
- 4 leaves of lettuce
- 4 slices of tomato
- Pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise or your favorite sandwich spread
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Dredge:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
- Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and butter.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Toast the buns lightly, if desired.
- Spread mayonnaise or your favorite sandwich spread on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato on each bun.
- Place a piece of fried chicken on top of the tomato.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the fried chicken.
- Add pickles if desired, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve:
- Serve the sandwiches immediately, with extra hot honey on the side if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey.