Craving something sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all at once? This Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is the perfect mix of bold flavors and textures. Made with crispy fried chicken, creamy pimento cheese, and a drizzle of honey pepper glaze, this sandwich will instantly level up your chicken game!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Buttermilk (enough to soak the chicken)
- Hot sauce (for marinade)
- All-purpose flour (for coating)
- Seasoning salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Pimento Cheese:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup diced pimentos (drained)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
For Serving:
- Toasted brioche buns
- Pickles or lettuce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken breasts in buttermilk and hot sauce. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you can). This keeps the chicken juicy and adds flavor.
2. Make the Pimento Cheese Spread
In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is creamy and spreadable. Set it aside.
3. Prepare the Flour Coating
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasoning salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This is your crispy coating mix.
4. Fry the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken and coat it well in the seasoned flour. Press the flour in to create a crunchy crust. Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer and fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).
5. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
In a small pan, mix honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and a little hot sauce. Warm it up just until everything blends well. This glaze is sticky, sweet, and spicy—perfect for topping!
6. Build the Sandwich
Toast your brioche buns lightly. Add a generous layer of pimento cheese on the bottom bun, place the crispy chicken on top, and drizzle with honey pepper glaze. Top with pickles or lettuce if you like. Cover with the top bun.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Double coat your chicken for extra crunch.
- Use sharp cheddar for bold pimento flavor.
- Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce to your glaze!
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
This sandwich combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the creamy richness of pimento cheese. The sweet-spicy glaze takes it over the top. Whether you’re making it for game night or a weekend treat, this is one sandwich that’ll impress every time.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Use a wire rack and bake at 400°F until cooked through.
2. How long does pimento cheese last?
Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicy and flavorful—just adjust the cooking time.
4. Is the glaze too spicy?
Nope! It’s sweeter than spicy, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.
5. What can I serve with this sandwich?
Try fries, coleslaw, sweet potato chips, or even a fresh salad.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is bold, rich, and finger-licking good. With every bite, you’ll taste crispy chicken, creamy cheese, and that signature sweet-spicy glaze. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you’re craving something seriously satisfying.
