Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some sandwiches that are so good, they’re practically an event. And for me, these Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Croissants are exactly that. It’s a genius mashup that combines crispy, juicy fried chicken with a sweet, spicy honey butter glaze, all nestled in a buttery, flaky croissant. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, spicy, and savory. It’s the perfect solution for a fun dinner, a special brunch, or anytime you’re craving something truly delicious and indulgent.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of sweet and savory. The honey butter glaze is a masterpiece—it’s sweet from the honey, a little spicy from the hot sauce, and rich from the butter. This glaze perfectly coats the crispy fried chicken, which is seasoned beautifully with a blend of paprika and cayenne pepper. The croissant is the perfect vehicle for all this deliciousness, providing a soft, buttery, and flaky contrast to the crispy chicken. This recipe is also surprisingly simple to make, and it delivers a result that is far superior to anything you can buy at a restaurant.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 croissants
- Vegetable oil for frying
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Flour: The flour and spice mixture is the key to a crispy, flavorful crust. Don’t skimp on the seasoning!
- Honey Butter: The honey and hot sauce ratio can be adjusted to your liking. Use more hot sauce for a spicier glaze, or more honey for a sweeter one.
- Croissants: Fresh croissants are best here. A brioche bun would also be a delicious substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken and Flour: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they are coated evenly. Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Honey Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and hot sauce, mixing well to combine.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, brush each piece generously with the spicy honey butter mixture.
- Toast the Croissants: Slice the croissants in half. Place them in the hot skillet, cut-side down, and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place a fried chicken breast on each croissant bottom, drizzle with more spicy honey butter, and top with the other half of the croissant.
- Serve: Serve the spicy honey butter fried chicken croissants hot.
Tips for Success
- Use Thinner Chicken Cutlets: Slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally ensures they cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn before it’s cooked through. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will be greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer. If you have too many chicken pieces, cook them in batches.
- Toast the Croissants: Toasting the croissants is a crucial step! It gives them a lovely texture and keeps them from getting soggy from the honey butter.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Croissants are a meal in themselves. You can serve them with a simple side of potato chips, a fresh green salad, or a side of coleslaw. The spicy and sweet flavors would also go great with other savory meals, such as these easy cheesy chicken sliders with marinara garlic butter or some easy cheese-stuffed chicken wontons.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately. The chicken will lose its crispness and the croissant will get soft over time. If you have any leftover fried chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop it in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it back up.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, savory, and satisfying meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- A light, tangy chicken salad I actually crave (and there’s no mayo in sight)
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my favorite bowl of Southern comfort
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is my favorite one-pan dinner that’s always a hit
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Croissants are a perfect example of a new classic. They’re a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite creative sandwich mashup? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Spicy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Croissants: A Sweet & Savory Dream
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cup honey
- 4 cup hot sauce
- 2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 croissants
- 1 lb fried chicken tenders
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the fried chicken tenders in the flour mixture.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat, then stir in honey and hot sauce until well combined.
- Fry the coated chicken tenders until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, toss the fried chicken in the honey butter glaze until fully coated.
- Slice the croissants in half and fill them with the honey butter fried chicken.
- Drizzle any remaining honey butter glaze over the top of the sandwiches if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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