Hot Honey Pimento Cheese Fried Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

• Pimento Cheese (makes about 3 cups):
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 ounces mayo
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack, grated
• Chicken Sandwich:
• neutral oil, to fry
• 1 large chicken breast, split though the center into 2 pieces
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, scrambled
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• To Assemble:
• 2 brioche buns
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• hot honey
• pickle chips

Method

1. FOR THE PIMENTO CHEESE: In the bowl of a standing mixer (not a food processor!), combine the cream cheese, mayo, garlic, cayenne and salt on low speed. Mix until thoroughly blended and smooth.
2. Add the roasted red peppers and continue to mix until well-incorporated.
3. With the mixer on low, gradually add the shredded cheeses. Mix on medium speed until blended, not stringy.
4. Place mixture in an airtight container. Chill.
5. FOR THE CHICKEN SANDWICH: Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet to 350 F.
6. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
7. Coat chicken in flour, then egg then breadcrumbs.
8. Gently place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry chicken until 165 F.
9. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let rest for 2 minutes and cut into that crispy deliciousness.
10. TO ASSEMBLE: Split the buns in half.
11. Spread the mayo on the bottom bun. Add the chicken.
12. Drizzle with hot honey. Add a dollop of pimento cheese. Top with pickles, if desired.
13. Place the top bun on. Enjoy!