Spicy Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Honey Butter and Honey Pickles

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Recipe Intro From mikekubiesa

This spicy Southern fried chicken sandwich combines crispy, juicy chicken with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness from honey. The honey adds depth to both the spicy honey butter and tangy honey pickles, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. With honey’s versatility shining through, this sandwich showcases how honey can enhance both savory and sweet elements for an unforgettable meal.

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time 45mins
Cook time 45mins
Serves or Makes: 4 sandwiches

Recipe Card

For the Chicken Marinade

ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup vinegar-based hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • Water, as needed
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dredge

ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup potato or corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Light oil, for frying
  • 4 brioche buns, toasted

For the Honey Pickles

ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber, sliced `
  • 1/2 white onion, sliced `
  • 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Hatch Chili Slaw

ingredients

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced `
  • 2 hatch chilis, sliced `
  • 1 tablespoon pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Spicy Honey Butter

ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 1/2 stick salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce

Method

  • Step 1

    Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Add buttermilk, honey, and all the spices. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

  • Step 2

    Prepare the Honey Pickles: In a bowl or deli container, combine cucumber slices, white onion, champagne vinegar, honey, chopped dill, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  • Step 3

    Make the Slaw: Slice cabbage and hatch chilis thinly. In a mixing bowl, combine cabbage, chilis, honey, grain mustard, mayo, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  • Step 4

    Prepare the Spicy Honey Butter: In a small pan, heat honey, butter, and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until well combined and slightly thickened as it cools.

  • Step 5

    Dredge and Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge in a mixture of seasoned flour and cornstarch. Preheat oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels and glaze with spicy honey butter.

  • Step 6

    Toast the Buns: Toast brioche buns and assemble sandwiches with honey pickles, spicy honey butter, and honey hatch chili slaw. Serve and enjoy!