This Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich brings together crispy fried chicken, rich pimento cheese, and a touch of sweetness from honey. With a kick of pickled jalapeños and the comfort of a toasted brioche bun, this sandwich is a flavor-packed meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 5-6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Breading:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp buttermilk
For the Pimento Cheese:
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 6 oz shredded Gouda cheese
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz diced pimento
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
To Serve:
- Toasted Brioche buns
- 1 jar pickled jalapeños
- Raw honey
- Canola oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pimento Cheese:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded Gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses, diced pimento, chopped scallions, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate the pimento cheese until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning to infuse the chicken with bold flavors.
3. Prepare the Breading:
- In a large shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, corn starch, lemon pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix well to create a flavorful breading that will give the chicken a crispy and seasoned crust.
4. Make the Egg Wash:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- The egg wash will help the breading adhere to the chicken, creating a crunchy outer layer.
5. Bread the Chicken:
- Coat each seasoned chicken thigh in the breading mixture, pressing the flour mixture into the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Dip the chicken into the egg wash, then return it to the breading mixture for a second coating.
- Once all the chicken pieces are coated, let them sit for about 15 minutes. This rest time allows the breading to set, which will help it adhere better during frying.
6. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the chicken thighs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Toast the Buns:
- While the chicken is frying, toast the brioche buns on a griddle or in a toaster until they are golden and slightly crisp. This adds a delightful texture to the sandwich.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous amount of pimento cheese on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun.
- Drizzle a bit of raw honey over the pimento cheese to add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy and savory elements.
- Place a fried chicken thigh on top of the pimento cheese.
- Top the chicken with pickled jalapeños for a spicy, tangy crunch.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the brioche bun.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwiches hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The combination of crispy fried chicken, creamy pimento cheese, and the sweet heat from honey and jalapeños makes this sandwich a memorable meal.
Tips for Perfect Sandwiches
- Breading Technique: For an extra crispy chicken, you can double-coat the chicken thighs by repeating the breading and egg wash process.
- Pimento Cheese: The pimento cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Frying: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? A: Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a slightly longer frying time. You can also cut them into smaller pieces for easier frying.
Q: Can I make these sandwiches in advance? A: The components can be prepared in advance, but for the best texture, fry the chicken and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have a deep fryer? A: You can use a large skillet with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway. Just make sure to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even frying.
Conclusion
This Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is a delightful mix of Southern flavors with a modern twist. The creamy pimento cheese, crispy fried chicken, and the balance of sweetness and spice create a sandwich that’s satisfying and full of character. Perfect for a special weekend meal or a gathering with friends, this sandwich is sure to be a hit!