# 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 frying
→ Hot Honey
14 - 1/3 cup honey
15 - 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce, to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Assembly
17 - 4 brioche buns, toasted
18 - 8 dill pickle slices
19 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
20 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for optimal flavor development.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
03 - Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, firmly pressing to adhere. For enhanced crispiness, dip coated chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
04 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven reaching a depth of approximately 2 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower two chicken pieces at a time into the hot oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until deeply golden and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
05 - In a small saucepan, gently heat honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until just bubbling. Remove from heat and set aside.
06 - Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, a piece of crispy hot honey chicken, drizzle generously with prepared hot honey, add dill pickle slices, and crown with the top half of the bun.
07 - Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness and flavor.
