Lucifer Sweet Heat Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 12 Minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken Thighs – 4
• Buttermilk – 1 cup
• My Sauce Lab Lucifer – 5 tbsp (divided)
• All-Purpose Flour – 1.5 cups
• Cornstarch – 1/4 cup
• Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp
• Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
• Brioche Buns – 4
• Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Dill Pickle Slices – for topping
• Shredded Lettuce – for topping
• Vegetable Oil – for frying
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste

Directions

1. Whisk the buttermilk with 2 tbsp Lucifer sauce and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. Combine the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Make the sweet-heat sauce by whisking the mayonnaise with 2 tbsp Lucifer and the honey. Set aside.
4. Heat about 1.5 inches of oil in a heavy pan to 350°F.
5. Lift each thigh from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge firmly in the flour mixture. Press the coating on so it clings in craggy patches.
6. Fry for 5-6 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, so the crust stays crisp.
7. Brush the hot chicken with the remaining 1 tbsp Lucifer sauce.
8. Toast the buns, spread generously with the sweet-heat sauce, and build with lettuce, chicken, and pickles.

Tip: the mango-habanero sweetness in Lucifer caramelizes slightly against the hot crust, which is what gives this sandwich its sticky-sweet finish without needing extra sugar.