This Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich is a tasty treat that combines juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good sandwich? I like to pile on veggies and enjoy it with some crunchy chips. It’s a simple meal that’s big on flavor—talk about a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the sandwich lean and juicy. For a twist, try using thighs for more flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works too!
Buttermilk: It helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to mimic the tanginess.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for coating, but you can swap it for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed. Adjust as necessary for a lighter or different texture.
Honey Dijon Sauce: This sauce combines mayonnaise with honey and Dijon mustard. If you’re looking to cut calories, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. For a smokier flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fried Chicken?
Frying the chicken to perfection is key for this sandwich. The goal is a crispy exterior with juicy meat inside. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (about 350°F). Too low will make the chicken greasy; too high can burn it.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken drain on a paper towel after frying so it’s not soggy.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly crispy chicken that makes this sandwich a star!
Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 sandwich buns, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup coleslaw mix (shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots)
- 4 dill pickle slices
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For Honey Dijon Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sandwich takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare plus an additional 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. The frying and assembly will take around 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by slicing each chicken breast horizontally into thinner cutlets for faster cooking. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.
2. Prepare Honey Dijon Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, mix the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Set this aside for later use.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure they are coated well.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of batter, which should sizzle), carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil after frying.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Time to put it all together! Spread a generous amount of the honey Dijon sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place a piece of fried chicken on top, followed by a scoop of coleslaw mix and a couple of dill pickle slices for that perfect crunch.
6. Serve:
Top with the other half of the bun, garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve the sandwich warm. Enjoy each delicious bite of your homemade honey Dijon chicken sandwich!
This sandwich is truly a crowd-pleaser, featuring crispy chicken, sweet and tangy sauce, and crunchy veggies—all piled high inside a toasted bun. It’s simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious!
FAQ for Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method: seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour, changing the water halfway through.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and curdle slightly before using it in the recipe.
Can I Prep the Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the honey Dijon sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving for maximum crispiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and buns separately in airtight containers. The chicken can last in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave but be mindful that this may make the coating slightly less crispy.