If you are craving a sandwich that perfectly balances sweet heat, crispy texture, and rich flavor, this Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. The succulent chicken thighs are marinated and fried to golden perfection, then drenched in a luscious honey chipotle sauce that hits all the right spicy and sweet notes. Topped with a zesty Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw and nestled inside a buttery toasted bun, every bite bursts with exciting layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser and a quick way to elevate your sandwich game to legendary status.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for an unforgettable sandwich experience. Each element plays a distinct role, whether it’s the tangy brightness of lemon zest in the slaw, the smoky heat from smoked paprika, or the creamy indulgence of mayonnaise that brings everything together.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The smoky, spicy base of the honey chipotle sauce that gives the sandwich its signature kick.
- Pure honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat and coat the chicken with a sticky glaze.
- Brown sugar: Enhances caramel notes in the sauce for depth and richness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Introduces umami and a slight saltiness that rounds out the sauce.
- Full-fat mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious foundation for the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw.
- Garlic paste or minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and savory punch throughout the dish.
- Lemon zest and juice: Provides a fresh, citrusy brightness to keep the flavors balanced and lively.
- Creole Cajun Seasoning: Infuses the slaw and chicken with a bold Southern spice blend.
- Freshly chopped dill: Adds an herbaceous note that complements the pickles and aioli beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle for extra heat if you like things fiery.
- Tri-color coleslaw mix: A crisp, colorful base that introduces textural contrast and a veggie boost.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for frying thanks to their rich fat content.
- Kosher salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika: The essential seasoning trio that makes the chicken irresistible.
- Whole buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while adding tangy flavor during marination.
- Dill pickle juice (optional): Enhances the marinade with a subtle briny twist.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy coating that locks in juiciness.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: Ideal frying medium for achieving a golden, crunchy crust.
- Brioche or potato buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold everything together without overpowering the sandwich.
- Dill pickle chips: For an extra burst of tang and crunch to finish off the sandwich perfectly.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Chipotle Sauce
Start by blending chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, mayonnaise, garlic paste, lemon zest and juice, Cajun seasoning, dill, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a food processor until smooth. This luscious sauce is the star of the show that will bring together sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors in one irresistible coating.
Step 2: Make the Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw
In a large bowl, toss the tri-color coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, garlic paste, lemon juice, Creole Cajun seasoning, chopped dill, and a touch of salt. Letting this slaw chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken helps all the vibrant flavors meld into a creamy, tangy topping that adds fresh crunch and brightness.
Step 3: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry, then season evenly with kosher salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Transfer the chicken into a bowl, pour over buttermilk and optional dill pickle juice, and submerge the pieces. Marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight—the acidity tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor deeply into each bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Flour Dredge
Combine the all-purpose flour with the remaining salt, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish. Whisk together to create a seasoned coating that will crisp up beautifully to seal in the juiciness of the chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to a temperature between 350 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, and shake off excess. Fry the chicken in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot, until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack to keep crispness intact.
Step 6: Coat Chicken in Honey Chipotle Sauce and Assemble
Once fried, generously coat each chicken thigh with the smooth honey chipotle sauce. Then, place the sauced chicken onto the toasted brioche or potato buns, top with a generous helping of the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw and dill pickle chips for an added snap of tang. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of hot, spicy chicken with cool, creamy slaw and crunchy pickles.
How to Serve Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh sprigs of dill or extra red pepper flakes can elevate the visual appeal while boosting flavor. Adding a light drizzle of additional honey chipotle sauce on top brings another layer of excitement and keeps the sandwich vibrantly saucy.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a zesty corn salad. For a lighter touch, a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad will complement the rich boldness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe open-faced on a wooden board with dipping sauces on the side for a shareable vibe. Or stack multiple layers of slaw and chicken for a towering masterpiece that’ll be a showstopper at game day or weekend gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover fried chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents sogginess and keeps each component fresh for quick sandwich assembly later.
Freezing
Fried chicken thighs freeze well in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before saucing with honey chipotle sauce. Slaw does not freeze well because it will become watery and lose its crisp texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm fried chicken in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes to restore crispiness. Add the sauce and slaw fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can work but thighs are preferred due to their higher fat content, which keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful during frying. If using breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Is the honey chipotle sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a medium heat level that balances smoky chipotle peppers with sweet honey. You can adjust the spice by using fewer chipotle peppers or omitting the red pepper flakes if you want it milder.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk marinade with a mixture of dairy-free milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and use a dairy-free mayonnaise for the slaw and sauce. The flavors will still shine through beautifully.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable or peanut oils are excellent choices because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the chicken to fry crisp without burning or imparting unwanted tastes.
How long does marinating the chicken affect the flavor?
Marinating for at least 3 hours imparts good flavor and tenderness, but overnight marination is ideal for deeper flavor penetration and more tender chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a delightful celebration of flavor, texture, and color that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next get-together, this sandwich delivers everything you want—smoky, sweet, spicy, tangy, and satisfyingly crunchy. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Chipotle Fried Chicken Sandwich combines crispy, perfectly fried chicken thighs coated in a spicy-sweet chipotle honey sauce, topped with a tangy Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw, and served on buttery toasted brioche buns. A deliciously balanced sandwich with smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Honey Chipotle Sauce
- 1 (7.5 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup light or dark packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw
- 2 heaping cups store-bought, tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise (use from sauce if desired, or add extra)
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fried Chicken
- 4 boneless/skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
To Assemble
- 4 brioche or potato buns, halved & lightly toasted
- Dill pickle chips, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce: Combine the chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, mayonnaise, garlic paste, lemon zest and juice, Creole Cajun seasoning, chopped dill, and optional red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Prepare the Cajun Lemon Dill Aioli Slaw: In a large bowl, toss together the tri-color coleslaw mix with mayonnaise (can use portion from honey chipotle sauce or add fresh), garlic paste, lemon zest and juice, Creole Cajun seasoning, freshly chopped dill, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until the slaw is thoroughly coated and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a bowl and pour in the whole buttermilk along with optional dill pickle juice. Cover and marinate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Flour Dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika until well combined.
- Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable or peanut oil to 350-370°F (175-188°C) for frying.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly, and shake off the excess flour. Place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet to rest briefly before frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully fry the chicken thighs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pot. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp while assembling the sandwich.
- Coat with Honey Chipotle Sauce: Brush or gently toss the hot fried chicken thighs in the prepared honey chipotle sauce, ensuring they are well coated with the spicy-sweet glaze.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place each glazed chicken thigh on the bottom half of a lightly toasted brioche or potato bun. Top generously with the Cajun lemon dill aioli slaw and add dill pickle chips on top. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the juiciness and flavor of the chicken.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accurate oil temperature to ensure perfectly crispy chicken.
- Allow fried chicken to rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- Store leftover sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe pairs well with classic fries or a side of pickled vegetables for extra tang.
