This Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy! It features juicy chicken, a zesty honey Dijon sauce, and fresh toppings all piled between soft bread.
Making this sandwich is a breeze! I usually add some crispy lettuce and a slice of tomato for a fresh crunch. Trust me, it’s hard to have just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: I love using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can grill or bake the chicken instead of frying.
Buttermilk: This ingredient is great for marinating, making the chicken tender. If you don’t have it, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for that crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, you could use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Brioche buns: These add a lovely sweetness. If you prefer a healthier choice, whole wheat or sesame seed buns are great alternatives.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken?
Aiming for a crispy exterior? Here’s how! The secret is proper coating and frying. After marinating the chicken in buttermilk, make sure to let the excess liquid drip off before dredging it in the flour mixture.
- Heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C) for frying. This helps achieve that golden outer layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy chicken.
- Fry each piece for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring they’re a deep golden color.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously crispy chicken for your sandwiches!
Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), trimmed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembling:
- 2 brioche sandwich buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 3-4 dill pickle slices
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Dijon Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sandwich takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes to cook. Don’t forget to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, letting it sit in the buttermilk overnight makes it even more tender. So, total time is around 1 hour (or overnight) plus cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring it’s completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for great tenderness).
2. Make the Honey Dijon Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it, and feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference. Once ready, set it aside.
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning throughout.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Once the chicken has finished marinating, take it out and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken for an even coat. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers (around 350°F / 175°C). Carefully add the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Start by spreading a generous amount of the honey Dijon sauce on the bottom bun. Place the crispy fried chicken on top, then layer it with shredded green and purple cabbage. Add the dill pickle slices for extra crunch. Drizzle a little more honey Dijon sauce on top if you like, then cap it off with the toasted top bun.
7. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich right away while it’s warm and fresh! Pair it with your favorite sides like fries or a salad.
Bon appétit! Enjoy! 🍽️
FAQ about Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and tend to stay moist, chicken breasts will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster than thighs.
How Can I Make This Sandwich Healthier?
For a healthier twist, you can grill or bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply marinate and coat the chicken as instructed, then bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk? Is There a Substitute?
Yes! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best results, ensuring the bread doesn’t get too soggy.
