Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Honey Drizzle?
It is a comfort food dish featuring seasoned, buttermilk-battered fried chicken breasts served on potato dinner rolls with tangy red cabbage slaw, bread-and-butter pickles, and a homemade hot honey sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this sandwich?
The recipe calls for 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts that are cut in half and lightly pounded for even cooking.
How do I prepare the flour coating for the chicken?
In a shallow dish, whisk together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What is the purpose of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk is used as a soaking liquid to help the flour adhere to the chicken and to create a thick, crispy batter.
What is the double-dredging technique used here?
The chicken is first coated in the seasoned flour, then dipped in buttermilk, and then returned to the flour mixture for a second coating to ensure a crunchy crust.
Which oil should be used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of canola oil, or enough to fill a cast iron pan about 2 inches up the sides.
What temperature should the oil be for frying the chicken?
The canola oil should be heated to 350°F over medium-high heat before adding the chicken.
How long does it take to fry the chicken breasts?
Cook each piece for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy after frying?
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate once cooked to drain excess oil.
What ingredients are in the sandwich slaw?
The slaw consists of 2 cups of thinly sliced red cabbage, one small thinly sliced red onion, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How do I make the hot honey sauce?
Combine 3/4 cup honey with one halved jalapeno and one halved Fresno chile pepper in a saucepan, simmer for 2-3 minutes, and let cool.
Which peppers provide the heat for the spicy honey drizzle?
The recipe uses both a jalapeno pepper and a Fresno chile pepper to create the spicy kick.
What type of rolls are recommended for this sandwich?
Soft potato dinner rolls are used to serve the fried chicken.
What kind of pickles are used as a topping?
Bread-and-butter pickles are recommended to provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
How do I assemble the final sandwich?
Place the warm chicken on a roll, top with a generous portion of slaw and pickles, and finish with a drizzle of hot honey.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there mayonnaise in this recipe?
The ingredient list includes 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, which can be used as a spread on the rolls.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 4 potato dinner rolls and 2 large chicken breasts cut in half, making a total of 4 sandwiches.
Should the chicken be seasoned after frying?
Yes, the instructions suggest seasoning the chicken with additional salt immediately after it is removed from the oil.
Can the hot honey be made in advance?
Yes, the hot honey can be prepared and allowed to cool to room temperature before serving.
What does Fresno chile add to the recipe?
The Fresno chile adds a bright, slightly fruity heat to the honey drizzle that complements the savory chicken.
Why should I pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken ensures it has a uniform thickness, which helps it cook evenly and fit better on the dinner rolls.
How do I know when the oil is ready without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is best for 350°F, you can drop a small pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it is likely hot enough.
Can I substitute red wine vinegar in the slaw?
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as a substitute if red wine vinegar is unavailable.
Is this sandwich very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the jalapeno and Fresno peppers in the honey, but the sweetness of the honey and the tangy slaw help balance the heat.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store the fried chicken, slaw, and honey in separate containers in the refrigerator to keep the chicken from getting soggy.
Can I use a different type of onion for the slaw?
While red onion is preferred for its color and sharp flavor, shallots or white onions can be used in a pinch.
Should I remove the seeds from the peppers for the honey?
The recipe calls for slicing them in half; leaving the seeds in will result in a spicier honey, while removing them will make it milder.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a cast iron pan for frying, shallow baking dishes for dredging, a small saucepan for the honey, and a wire rack for the chicken.
What category of meal is this best suited for?
This recipe is tagged as an easy recipe for lunch, snacks, or as a comfort food meal.