The Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich from PDQ features a juicy, crispy chicken breast glazed with sweet honey butter, layered with fresh lettuce and pickles, all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun, delivering a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grill pan or skillet (for toasting buns)
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for honey butter)
- Plate or tray for assembling
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for buns)
- 8 bread and butter pickle slices
- 2 leaves green leaf lettuce
Frequent marination of the chicken breasts in buttermilk seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. Combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch and baking powder contributes to an extra crispy coating when fried in vegetable oil. Using unsalted butter and honey cooked together creates the signature sweet honey butter glaze essential to the sandwich's distinct taste. Toasting the sandwich buns with butter enhances texture and warmth, while fresh green leaf lettuce and bread and butter pickle slices add balance and crunch. Your homemade Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich from PDQ replicates the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and crispy elements found in the copycat menu.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add chicken breasts to buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer fried chicken to clean wire rack to drain.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over low heat; whisk in honey until smooth to make honey butter.
- Brush hot chicken breasts generously with honey butter using a pastry brush.
- Split sandwich buns and spread with 2 tablespoons softened butter.
- Toast buns on grill pan or skillet until golden brown.
- Layer bottom bun with lettuce leaf, honey butter chicken breast, 4 pickle slices, and top bun.
- Repeat for second sandwich.
- Serve immediately on plate or tray.
Substitution
The Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich from PDQ copycat menu relies on a perfectly crispy fried chicken breast glazed with honey butter for its distinctive flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, substituting with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar can maintain the tenderizing effect on the chicken. Vegetable oil is preferred for deep frying due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil are suitable alternatives. When toasting the sandwich buns, using a grill pan or skillet with a small amount of butter enhances flavor and texture. You can adjust the level of sweetness in the honey butter glaze by varying the honey amount to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
Make sure to fully marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least one hour to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. Use a thermometer to verify the frying oil temperature remains steady at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy coating without greasiness. When dredging the chicken, press the flour mixture firmly to ensure a crunchy, even crust. Toast your buns just before assembling to prevent them from becoming soggy and to add a satisfying texture contrast.
Nutritions
Your Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich provides a balanced source of protein from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and growth. The honey butter glaze adds natural sugars and saturated fats, contributing to energy and flavor richness. Lettuce and pickles offer small amounts of fiber and vitamins while the toasted sandwich bun provides carbohydrates for sustained energy. Frying in vegetable oil increases the calorie content and fat intake, so consider this when planning your meal.
Storage
To maintain the Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich's crispiness and flavor, store the fried chicken and toasted buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10-12 minutes on a wire rack to preserve its crunch before assembling your sandwich. Lettuce and pickles should be kept fresh in sealed containers and added just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice for a tangy marinade. Swap bread and butter pickles with spicy jalapenos or pickled red onions to add heat and acidity. Instead of deep frying, try pan-frying the chicken breasts in vegetable oil to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness. For an extra flavor dimension, add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour coating mixture.
Allergies
The Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour, sandwich buns), dairy (buttermilk, unsalted butter), and eggs if used in the breading process. Cross-contamination with other allergens like soy or nuts might occur during preparation or frying. If you have food allergies, ensure to notify the restaurant to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich from PDQ restaurant is loved for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crispy fried chicken coated with a rich honey butter glaze. Its unique combination of textures--crunchy chicken paired with soft, buttery bread--creates a satisfying bite that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this crave-worthy dish at home, offering a delicious and cost-effective alternative. Your taste buds will enjoy the same mouthwatering experience without leaving your kitchen.