# Components:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Breading
06 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ For Frying
13 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying
→ Hot Honey
14 - 1/3 cup honey
15 - 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce, to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Assembly
17 - 4 brioche buns, toasted
18 - 8 sliced dill pickles
19 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
20 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
# Method:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for intensified flavor.
02 - Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly for uniform seasoning.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drain. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned breading, pressing firmly for maximum coating. For an extra-crispy texture, dip the floured chicken once more into buttermilk, then a second time into the flour mixture.
04 - Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to submerge chicken halfway. Heat to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack for draining.
05 - Gently heat honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes together in a small saucepan until the mixture just begins to bubble. Remove from heat and set aside.
06 - Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of toasted brioche buns. Layer shredded lettuce, a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with hot honey. Top with dill pickle slices, then crown each sandwich with the other half of the bun.
07 - Serve sandwiches promptly to ensure optimal crispiness and balanced flavor.
