This Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich brings together juicy chicken, sweet honey, and zesty Dijon mustard all in a soft bun. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken for easy handling. If you want a different option, try using chicken thighs for a juicier bite!
Buttermilk: This makes the chicken tender and flavorful. If you’re out of buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Honey: It adds sweetness to the sauce. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup instead for the sauce!
Buns: Brioche is my favorite because it’s soft and slightly sweet, but any soft sandwich bun or even a lettuce wrap can work if you want to cut carbs.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Fried Chicken?
Frying the chicken can be tricky, but with the right steps, you can achieve that golden crust every time! Here’s my approach:
- Evenly pound the chicken for even cooking.
- Keep the oil at 350°F – use a thermometer for accuracy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry one or two pieces at a time to help keep the oil temperature steady.
- Let the chicken rest on a paper towel once done, which helps keep it crispy!
Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche or soft sandwich buns)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 4-6 pickle slices
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Dijon Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious sandwich will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, plus a marinating time of at least 20 minutes in the fridge. If you have a bit of extra time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will make the chicken extra tender.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set this tasty sauce aside while you prepare the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper. Then, pour the buttermilk over the chicken, making sure it’s covered well. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness!).
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is what will give your chicken a tasty crust!
4. Coat the Chicken:
When the chicken has marinated, take it out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides evenly.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot (about 350°F or shimmering). Fry each chicken breast for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Prepare the Sandwich:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns lightly. On the bottom bun, spread a generous layer of the Honey Dijon sauce.
7. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place a piece of the crispy fried chicken on the bottom bun. Top with the shredded cabbage mix and pickle slices. Add a little more Honey Dijon sauce if you’d like. If you want, sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top before placing the top bun on.
8. Serve:
Dig into your delicious Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich right away! It’s perfect with a side of fries, a salad, or your favorite chips.
This sandwich is juicy, flavorful, and balanced with the crisp texture of cabbage and tangy pickles, complemented by the sweet and sharp Honey Dijon sauce. Enjoy your meal! 🍔
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Do I Make This Sandwich Gluten-Free?
To make the sandwich gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free buns. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The Honey Dijon sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it on your sandwich!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through. Just be careful, so the chicken doesn’t become dry!
