Hot Honey Chicken Pimento Cheese Sandwich

The Hot Honey Chicken Pimento Cheese Sandwich is a bold, Southern-inspired creation that combines crispy fried chicken, sweet and spicy honey, and rich, creamy pimento cheese layered on a soft brioche bun. Each element of this sandwich brings together unique textures and flavors, resulting in a satisfying meal perfect for anyone who loves Southern comfort food with a twist.

The process begins with chicken thighs soaked in pickle juice and buttermilk, which provides a tangy, juicy flavor for the sandwich. This brining technique not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a subtle acidity, enhancing the flavor while keeping the chicken moist. Once brined, the chicken is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture containing cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, yielding an irresistible golden-brown crust when fried. This crispy exterior envelops the tender chicken, adding to the sandwich’s signature appeal crunch.

The next layer of flavor is the hot honey. Made with honey, a touch of hot sauce, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this hot honey adds a subtle yet noticeable kick. The sweetness of the honey balances the spiciness, complementing the savory notes in the chicken and adding a pleasant warmth that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. This spicy-sweet drizzle elevates each bite, ensuring that this sandwich stands out from more traditional fried chicken options.

This Southern-inspired sandwich wouldn’t be complete without pimento cheese, and this version uses a homemade blend of sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and garlic. This spread brings a tangy, creamy richness to the sandwich that pairs perfectly with the crunchy chicken. The sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while the goat cheese adds a touch of smoothness and complexity. The diced pimentos, a classic Southern pimento cheese hallmark, add mild sweetness and a pop of color, while the garlic adds depth and savory notes.

Combined with the sweetness of the honey and the spiciness of the hot sauce, the goat cheese brings an unexpected layer of sophistication to the pimento cheese. Its creamy, tangy profile melds beautifully with the other flavors in the sandwich, enhancing the Southern-inspired ingredients with a distinct twist. This blend of cheeses makes the pimento cheese richer and memorable, adding an artisanal quality that elevates the sandwich beyond traditional fried chicken options.

Brioche buns add a soft, pillowy texture, contrasting the crispy chicken and rich pimento cheese. Brioche’s buttery taste enhances the overall experience, creating a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s hard to resist. With each bite, the brioche absorbs the hot honey and juices from the chicken, keeping all the flavors in every mouthful.

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To finish, pickle slices are added for an extra layer of crunch and tang. The pickles bring a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey, balancing the entire sandwich.

The Hot Honey Chicken Pimento Cheese Sandwich is a feast for the senses, from the textures of the crispy fried chicken to the creaminess of the pimento cheese and the heat from the hot honey. It’s a meal that pays homage to classic Southern flavors with a few modern twists, creating a memorable sandwich packed with flavor. Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a special weekend treat, this sandwich will satisfy cravings for bold, comforting flavors with a touch of spice and sweetness.

Hot Honey Chicken Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

4

hours 

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

4

hours 

30

minutes

The Hot Honey Chicken Pimento Cheese Sandwich combines crispy pickle-brined fried chicken, creamy homemade pimento cheese, and a drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey on a soft brioche bun. This Southern-inspired sandwich features bold flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

• For the Fried Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 cup pickle juice

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for frying, canola oil

• For the Hot Honey

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• For the Homemade Pimento Cheese

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup pimento peppers, diced

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• For the Sandwich

• 4 brioche buns, toasted

• pickle slices

Directions

• Brine the Chicken:
  Combine the pickle juice and buttermilk in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and let them brine in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
• Make the Pimento Cheese:
  Mix the sharp cheddar, goat cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and minced garlic in a bowl until well combined and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble the sandwiches.
• Prepare the Hot Honey:
  Warm the honey over low heat in a saucepan. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, then set aside.
• Coat and Fry the Chicken:
  Combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and buttermilk brine, and dip each piece into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thorough coating. Heat canola oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
• Assemble the Sandwich:
  Place a fried chicken thigh atop the bottom half of a brioche bun and drizzle with the hot honey. Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese on top. Add pickle slices, then top with the other half of the bun.