Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with Honey Butter

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken drizzled with a sweet Honey Butter in a toasted Brioche Bun with crispy lettuce, burger sauce and of course pickles. You can’t get any more mouthwateringly delicious than this!

Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich

These Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches are crispy on the outside and so tender and flavorful on the inside – then you add a drizzle of sweet honey butter and they’re completely irresistable. Trust me when I say you’re going to love these so much more than any greasy takeaway.

A delicious Friday night treat or weekend dinner, or they’re so great for feeding a crowd! 

Fried Chicken without Buttermilk

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand or you are dairy free there are a couple alternatives

• Mayonnaise – Equal amounts of mayonnaise can be used instead of buttermilk
• Whole Milk or a Milk Alternative mixed with Lemon Juice or Vinegar – Equal amounts of milk and 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar can be used instead of buttermilk. This will have a thinner consistency than buttermilk so the flour coating can have trouble sticking as well.
• Yoghurt – Equal amounts of unsweetened yoghurt can be used in place of buttermilk.

History of Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken simply refers to chicken that has been coated, usually in some type of flour and fried. There are so many different cultures around the world that embrace some type of fried chicken which just shows how delicious and well loved it is.

• Southern Fried Chicken
• Kaarage
• Hot Wings
• Korean Fried Chicken
• Popcorn Chicken

According to Wikipedia the American-English version of fried chicken was created in the 1830’s but there were already versions of it in Scotland and West African regions. 

Ingredients

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Ingredients

4 Chicken Thighs – Chicken Breast can be used instead but I prefer thigh as it doesn’t dry out easily.

1/2 Cup / 125ml Buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, 1/2 Cup of whole milk and 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar can be used instead. 

3 Tbsp Hot Sauce – Hot sauce is optional, if you don’t want any heat you can leave this out completely. 

1 1/2 Cups / 190g Flour

2 tsp White Pepper

1/2 tsp Chilli Flakes – If you don’t want any heat leave the chilli flakes out.

3 tsp Paprika

3 tsp Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp Salt

Honey Butter Ingredients

1/4 Cup Honey

2 Tbsp Butter

Sandwich Ingredients

4 Brioche Buns – You can make your own brioche buns if you have time. Brioche works really well with the fried chicken but regular buns can also be used. 

Iceberg Lettuce

Pickles

Sauce – Use your favorite burger sauce or mayo is also delicious.

How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Honey Butter

Buttermilk Marinade

Start with making the buttermilk mixture that the chicken needs to marinate in. In a medium sized bowl add the buttermilk (see notes for substitutions) and hot sauce (if you’re using it).

Mix to combine and add the chicken thighs, make sure they are well covered in the buttermilk. Cover and place into the fridge for at least 4 hours but overnight is best. They can stay in the buttermilk mixture for up to two days so this can be done in advance. 

Fried Chicken Coating

When you are ready to fry the chicken and make the sandwiches prepare the coating. In a medium bowl add the flour, white pepper, chilli flakes, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix to combine.

Take each chicken thigh and let any excess buttermilk drain off. Place the chicken into the bowl with the coating and toss it back and forth to coat. You can double coat if you would like it extra thick and crunchy. Repeat with the other three chicken thighs.

Frying the Chicken

Heat a large dutch oven or saucepan filled ⅔ full with a flavourless oil over medium high heat. When the oil is at 180C / 350F  fry the chicken in batches, 2 at a time for about 5 minutes or until a deep golden brown. A thermometer works best for getting an accurate temperature. Adjust the heat as needed if the chicken is gaining too much colour or not enough.

When the chicken is cooked through remove it from the oil and place on a wire rack so the excess drips off. The chicken should be at least 70C / 165F internal temp.

Honey Butter

While the chicken is frying prepare the Honey Butter. In a small saucepan add the butter and honey. Heat over medium heat until melted and combined. Pour the honey butter into a small bowl and leave to cool for 5-10 minutes before using.

Assembling the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

To make the Sandwiches take your toasted brioche bun and add either burger sauce or mayo. Top with a piece of the buttermilk fried chicken and drizzle over some of the honey butter. Add the shredded lettuce and pickles, more sauce and top with the top bun.

Common Questions about this Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with Honey Butter

What does Buttermilk do to raw chicken?

Buttermilk is slightly acidic so it works by breaking the proteins down in the chicken. This makes it super juicy, tender and flavourful. This is the reason why chicken can soak in buttermilk too long, overnight or 24 hours is ideal but no longer than 48 hours.

Is this Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe spicy?

There is hot sauce and chilli flakes in this recipe but the spice is very minimal. If you don’t want any heat the hot sauce and chilli can be left out and if you would like these super spicy extra chilli flakes or powder can be used!

Can I make the sandwiches in advance?

The chicken can be marinated, then coated in the flour in advance. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve and fry off the chicken then. 

More Chicken Recipes

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Chilli Lime Chicken

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Dressing