Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

If you’re searching for a sandwich that practically sings with bold flavor, look no further than these irresistible Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey. Imagine juicy, crispy fried chicken, a fiery-sweet drizzle of hot honey, tangy jalapeño slaw, and caramelized pineapple all snuggled in a buttery brioche bun — it’s pure magic in every bite! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner extra special, this recipe brings crave-worthy contrast and crowd-pleasing color to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey come together with simple pantry staples and a few fresh add-ins. Each one plays a leading role, working in harmony for that unforgettable combination of crunch, heat, and sweet juiciness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Use plump, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and juicy result after frying.
• Buttermilk: This secret marinade ingredient keeps the chicken extra moist and helps the coating stick.
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory punch to the marinade that lingers after frying.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness to balance the chicken’s crispiness.
• Salt and pepper: Absolutely essential for flavoring every step, from marinade to slaw.
• Flour: Helps build a crunchy outer layer when combined with panko.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style panko gives your chicken a beautiful, shattering crunch.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for even, golden frying.
• Pineapple rings: Fresh or canned work, but grilling brings out their caramelized sweetness.
• Shredded cabbage: The heart of your slaw — crisp, fresh, and a perfect cooling counterpoint to the heat.
• Shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to your slaw.
• Jalapeño: A little heat and big flavor come from the thin slices of fresh jalapeño.
• Mayo: Binds the slaw and makes it creamy without being heavy.
• Lime juice: Adds tang and freshness, brightening up the slaw beautifully.
• Honey: The base of your glaze, honey brings luscious sweetness that pairs especially well with fried chicken.
• Hot sauce: Pick your favorite for extra zip in the honey glaze.
• Red pepper flakes: For those who like it hot! Adjust to taste for more or less fire.
• Brioche buns: Soft, rich, and buttery, these buns cradle all the fillings perfectly.
• Butter or mayo for toasting: Adds flavor and prevents the buns from getting soggy once assembled.

How to Make Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by halving your chicken breasts horizontally to create pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy. Whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces and let them soak for at least 30 minutes — or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness. This step is the secret behind the succulent foundation of your Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey.

Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeño Slaw

Next up is that perky slaw. Toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, and the finely sliced jalapeño in a mixing bowl. Stir in mayo, lime juice, and a hit of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated, and then pop it into the fridge to chill. This slaw is snappy, brightly flavored, and adds just the right note of crunch to your sandwiches.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

Combine honey, your favorite hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Gently warm the mixture over low heat, just until it’s thinned out and the flavors meld — this will only take a minute or two. Set aside; the spicy-sweet drizzle is destined to become your new obsession for these Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Chicken

Grab a shallow dish and stir together flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove chicken from the marinade one piece at a time and dredge thoroughly in the breading mix, pressing gently so every inch is covered. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry the chicken until golden, crispy, and sizzling — about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels to keep things light and crunchy.

Step 5: Grill the Pineapple Rings

For a juicy, caramelized punch, grill the pineapple rings on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until you see lovely charred marks, about 1-2 minutes per side. This step intensifies their sweetness and transforms your Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey into something truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

Brush the brioche buns with a bit of softened butter or mayo and toast them, cut side down, in a skillet until they’re golden and just crispy on the edges. This keeps everything from getting soggy and adds a rich layer of flavor.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwiches

It’s showtime! Place a crispy fried chicken breast on the bottom bun, top with a grilled pineapple ring, pile on the chilled jalapeño slaw, and finish with a generous drizzle of hot honey glaze. Cap it with the toasted bun top, take a big bite, and let every flavor explode in your mouth.

How to Serve Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

Garnishes

Add a final sprinkling of fresh cilantro or extra sliced jalapeños for color and kick. A wedge of lime on the side brightens everything up, while a touch more hot honey glaze drizzled over the top amps up the wow factor for your Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

Side Dishes

Pair your sandwich with classic sweet potato fries, crispy potato wedges, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a picnic vibe, simple kettle chips and a side of tangy pickles make fantastic companions to hes with Jalapeño Slaw & Hot Honey Glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chicken beauties deconstructed for build-your-own fun, or slice sandwiches into sliders for a party platter. A drizzle of extra hot honey in a mini jar on each plate adds a playful, personalized touch to the Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover components, store each element separately in airtight containers: chicken, slaw, hot honey glaze, and pineapple rings. This keeps everything at peak freshness and prevents the crispy chicken from absorbing too much slaw moisture.

Freezing

The fried chicken alone freezes beautifully for future cravings! Cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic and freeze for up to two months. Slaw and pineapple don’t freeze well, so stick to making those fresh when you serve hes with Jalapeño Slaw & Hot Honey Glaze again.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating. Always make fresh slaw for the best flavor and crunch in your Crispy Pineapple Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey

FAQs

Can I make this with Jalapeño Slaw & Hot Honey Glaze spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the jalapeño in the slaw, add more red pepper flakes to the hot honey glaze, or choose a bolder hot sauce. Each tweak lets you dial the heat up to your perfect level.

What’s the best way to cut the chicken for even cooking?

For maximum crispiness and fast, even frying, slice the chicken breasts horizontally so you get four thin, evenly sized cutlets. If needed, gently pound them to an even thickness, ensuring perfect results every time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can! Arrange breaded chicken pieces on a rack over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While you may lose some of that signature fry crunch, it’s a lighter option that still works great.

Can I prepare any parts of the sandwich ahead of time?

Definitely. The slaw tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, and you can make the hot honey glaze in advance too. For best texture, fry the chicken and toast buns just before serving your hes with Jalapeño Slaw & Hot Honey Glaze.

Is there a good vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy breaded tofu or a plant-based chicken patty. Everything else stays the same, so vegetarians can still indulge in the big flavors of hes with Jalapeño Slaw & Hot Honey Glaze.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of crispy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and that fiery-sweet hot honey glaze — all tied together in one unforgettable sandwich. I hope you give these hes with Jalapeño Slaw & Hot Honey Glaze a try and turn your next meal into a flavor-packed celebration!

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