The Delicious Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich is a tasty treat packed with tender chicken, a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce, and fresh sandwich fixings all pulled together in a soft bun. It’s the kind of sandwich that’s both bright and comforting, with the honey Dijon giving it a nice little kick that wakes up your taste buds.
I love making this sandwich when I want something quick but satisfying. The blend of honey’s sweetness and Dijon mustard’s tanginess is just perfect, and it’s something everyone seems to enjoy. A little tip I have is to let the chicken marinate in the sauce for just a bit before cooking — it really helps those flavors soak in and makes the chicken extra juicy.
For serving, I like to add crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a fresh crunch, and sometimes a few slices of avocado for creaminess. It’s simple to put together and great for lunch or a casual dinner. Whenever I make this sandwich, it always brings smiles around the table and has a way of making even the busiest day feel a little bit better.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless skinless breasts ensures quick cooking and a juicy bite. If you prefer, thighs work well too and stay tender.
Buttermilk: It’s great for tenderizing chicken. No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit 5 mins.
Flour and spices: The flour coating with paprika and garlic powder adds nice flavor and crisp. You can swap paprika for smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch.
Honey Dijon sauce: Dijon mustard and honey combo is key here for tang and sweetness. If you want less sweetness, use less honey or swap for maple syrup for a different twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone melts well and adds creaminess without overwhelming flavors. Swiss cheese is another good choice.
Buns: Brioche buns add richness and softness. Substitute with potato buns or any soft sandwich roll if brioche isn’t available.
How Do You Get Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken Every Time?
The secret to perfect fried chicken is marinating and breading properly, plus using the right oil temperature.
- Marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to keep chicken tender and flavorful.
- Pat excess buttermilk off before dredging in the flour mix, so coating sticks well but isn’t soggy.
- Use seasoned flour with spices to add aroma and crunch.
- Heat oil to around 350°F (175°C). Too hot burns the crust; too cool makes it greasy.
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid crowding — this keeps oil temperature steady.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels or a wire rack to keep crispiness.
With these steps, you get golden, crispy chicken that stays juicy inside—perfect for your honey Dijon sandwich!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – ideal for shallow frying chicken evenly without splatter.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – to pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating chicken and mixing the honey Dijon sauce.
- Tongs – great for flipping chicken safely while frying and assembling the sandwich.
- Baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels – to drain excess oil from fried chicken and keep it crispy.
- Whisk or fork – for blending the honey Dijon sauce smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using grilled or baked chicken instead of fried for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Add sliced avocado or crispy bacon for an extra creamy or smoky flavor twist.
- Swap mozzarella cheese with pepper jack to add a mild spicy kick.
- Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the honey Dijon sauce for a fragrant herbal note.
Delicious Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- 4 slices of white cheese (such as mozzarella or provolone)
- 1 cup mixed lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine, red leaf, radicchio)
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 slices cucumber
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Honey Dijon Sauce:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 45 minutes total, including 30 minutes to marinate the chicken and 15 minutes for preparation, frying, and assembling. This lets the chicken get nice and tender and the sandwich come together fresh and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Put the bowl in the fridge and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
2. Make the Honey Dijon Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tang as you like. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later.
3. Prepare the Coating
Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This spice mix will give your chicken a great crunchy and tasty coating.
4. Bread the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting any extra drip off. Dredge each piece carefully in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
5. Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C) or is hot enough that a small drop of flour sizzles immediately. Fry the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Toast the Buns
Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them in a pan or oven until they are golden. Toasting adds a lovely crunch and helps prevent sogginess from the sauce.
7. Assemble the Sandwich
Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun. Quickly add a slice of cheese on top so it melts slightly on the hot chicken. Drizzle a generous amount of the honey Dijon sauce over the cheese.
8. Add Fresh Veggies
Layer slices of tomato, cucumber, and red onion, then top with mixed lettuce leaves to add fresh, crisp textures.
9. Finish the Sandwich
Spread more honey Dijon sauce on the top bun, close your sandwich, and it’s ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich, which combines crispy, juicy chicken with cool fresh veggies and a sweet-tangy sauce for a perfect bite every time.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Sandwich?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and best texture.
How Can I Make This Sandwich Healthier?
Try baking or grilling the chicken instead of frying to reduce oil. Use whole-grain buns and skip the mayonnaise in the sauce for a lighter option.
Can I Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sandwich Ingredients?
Store the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep fresh veggies and buns stored separately to maintain their texture until ready to assemble.
