Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich

Steps

1. 1Season the chicken

   Season chicken thighs with salt, let sit while you prep.

   Chicken thighSalt
2. 2Set up breading station

   Set up 3-tier breading station: plain flour, buttermilk, seasoned flour (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, splash of buttermilk).

   The splash of buttermilk in the seasoned flour creates craggy bits for extra crunch.

   All-purpose flourButtermilkBlack pepperSmoked paprikaGarlic powderButtermilk
3. 3Dredge the chicken

   Dredge chicken: plain flour → buttermilk → seasoned flour, pressing to coat.

   Chicken thighAll-purpose flourButtermilk
4. 4Toast the buns

   Toast brioche buns cut-side down until golden.

   Brioche
5. 5Fry the chicken12 min

   Fry chicken in oil at 350°F, 5-6 min per side (~12 minutes TOTAL), until golden and cooked through.

   Chicken thighVegetable oil
6. 6Make the hot honey

   While frying, mix melted butter, honey, and hot sauce for the hot honey.

   ButterHoneyHot sauce
7. 7Rest the chicken

   Rest chicken on a wire rack (or paper towel-lined plate).

   Chicken thigh
8. 8Assemble the sandwich

   Assemble: bottom bun, pickles (optional), chicken, hot honey drizzle, top bun.

   BriochePicklesChicken thigh