Crunchy, cheesy, a little bit spicy, and a little bit sweet – these Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwiches are packed with flavour! This homemade Chick-fil-A copycat recipe uses healthier ingredients but tastes even better.
The easy-to-make pimento cheese is layered over honey-drizzled chicken breast, creating a delicious twist on the classic chicken sandwich.
After seeing the buzz about the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich on social media, I had to try making my version! I used cauli crunch, and whole wheat buns, and added spicy sprouts or micro greens for a healthy yet comforting meal.
These sandwiches are incredibly flavorful! The mild jalapeños add a tasty pepper kick without being too spicy. The crunchy chicken breast and creamy pimento cheese make every bite delicious. Pair these sandwiches with a salad or some crunchy raw veggies – they’re perfect for spring!
The ingredients for these sandwiches are simple and easy to find. To store them, keep the pimento cheese and chicken breasts in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or freeze them for 1-2 months. Enjoy these flavorful sandwiches any time!
Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Chicken rub or all-purpose BBQ rub
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
For the Sandwich
- 2 Brioche buns
- 8 –10 pickled Jalapeños
- 1 cup shredded Lettuce
- 2 tbsp Honey
For the Pimento Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 oz Jarred pimentos
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 oz softened Cream cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with chicken rub or all-purpose BBQ rub.
- Grill the chicken thighs over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make the Pimento Cheese:
- Combine all the pimento cheese ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Toast the brioche buns if desired.
- Build the sandwich by adding a layer of shredded lettuce on the bottom bun.
- Add 4-5 pickled jalapeños on top of the lettuce.
- Place one grilled chicken thigh on top of the jalapeños.
- Add a big spoonful of pimento cheese over the chicken.
- Drizzle with honey.
- Top with the other half of the brioche bun.
Notes
- Perfect Grilling: To ensure your chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, grill them over medium-high heat and flip them regularly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid overcooking.
- Creamy Pimento Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other pimento cheese ingredients. This will help everything blend smoothly for a creamy texture.
- Customizable Heat: If you prefer a milder sandwich, reduce the number of pickled jalapeños or use a milder pepper. Conversely, for more heat, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 555 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 94mg |
| Sodium | 1279 mg |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Calcium | 379 mg |
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Thighs Are Cooked Properly?
To make sure your chicken thighs are cooked properly, grill them over medium-high heat, flipping them regularly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is juicy and fully cooked.
How Do I Make the Pimento Cheese?
To make the pimento cheese, combine shredded cheddar cheese, jarred pimentos, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. This cheese mixture adds a rich and flavorful layer to your sandwich.