Crispy, juicy, and layered with bold flavors—this Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich is Southern comfort that meets chef-driven indulgence. A golden-fried chicken fillet gets a drizzle of spicy honey, melting into a creamy pimento cheese spread that oozes with every bite.
Sandwiched between a soft brioche bun, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary lunch into an unforgettable feast. Pair this sandwich with a Whiskey and Coke Cocktail for a smoky, caramel-kissed contrast, or go bold with a Witches’ Brew, a moody, spiced drink that plays well with the heat of the honey-pepper glaze.
The interplay of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this an instant classic, perfect for game days or backyard gatherings. Think of it as a trip through Southern food culture with a little rock-and-roll attitude.
A little trick from the pros—resting the fried chicken on a wire rack (instead of a plate) keeps the coating crispy while you prep the toppings. If you want to take things further, try adding pickled jalapeños for an extra pop of tang. However you make it, this sandwich is your gateway to a crave-worthy, chef-inspired bite without the restaurant price tag.
What Makes This Recipe Special!
- Southern Comfort with a Chef’s Twist – The combo of crispy chicken, spicy honey, and melty pimento cheese is pure Southern charm, but balanced with just the right heat and sweetness. Perfect for food lovers who want indulgence with finesse.
- Pairs Like a Dream – Whether you’re sipping on a Whiskey and Coke Cocktail or a Witches’ Brew, this sandwich plays beautifully with bold, boozy flavors. The smoky notes in whiskey and the herbal depth of Witches’ Brew make every bite better.
- Tested and Perfected – I’ve tried different spice blends, cheese ratios, and honey infusions until I found the perfect balance. This version nails the crispy, gooey, sweet-heat combination that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – No need to wait in line—this sandwich brings the gourmet experience straight to your kitchen. With a few pro tricks (like resting the fried chicken properly), you get that perfect crunch every time.
- Unexpectedly Versatile – Swap the chicken for a crispy tofu patty, or use hot honey instead of spicy honey for a milder kick. This recipe adapts effortlessly to different diets while keeping its signature flavor.
Tastes sweet, spicy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive—just the way a next-level sandwich should!
Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Grater
- Shallow bowls or plates for dredging
- Cookie sheet
- Whisk
Ingredients
Pimento cheese
- 1 jar pimentos (drained)
- 1 block sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp avocado
- 1 tsp chopped tame jalepenos
Sandwich
- ⅓ cup pickled tame jalepeno slices
- 6 whole wheat buns
- 2 tsp honey
Chicken
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 small chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup tapioca starch
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1½ cups cauli crunch
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then cut into six thin pieces.
- Marinate in pickle juice and milk for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pimento cheese by grating the cheddar and mixing it with mayo, pimentos, salt, and chopped jalapeños until creamy, then set it aside.
- Prepare a dredging station with tapioca on one plate, whisked egg in a shallow bowl, and Cauli Crunch mixed with onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt on another plate.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece by dredging first in tapioca, then in egg, and finally in the seasoned Cauli Crunch, setting them aside on a plate.
- Heat half the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking two chicken breasts at a time for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.
- Arrange the buns face up on a cookie sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted, keeping a close eye on them.
- To assemble, place sliced jalapeños on the bottom bun, add a crispy chicken breast, drizzle with ½ tablespoon of honey.
- Top with a generous spoonful of pimento cheese, and finish with the top bun
Notes
- Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and Cauli Crunch steps.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeños in both the cheese mixture and sandwich assembly.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 554kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 51g |
| Fibre | 5g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Cholesterol | 93g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Pre-Measure Ingredients – Before starting, measure and prep everything. This makes the process smoother and prevents last-minute scrambling.
- Use a Meat Mallet for Even Cooking – If some chicken pieces are thicker, gently pound them to ensure even frying and prevent undercooked spots.
- Double Dredging for Extra Crunch – For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the egg and Cauli Crunch a second time before frying.
- Work in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; this helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy.
