The Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers with the crispness of fried chicken and the refreshing crunch of coleslaw.
The Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich starts with a crispy, golden-brown fried chicken thigh, seasoned with salt and pepper and dredged in a wet batter made with flour, seltzer water, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne pepper. Topped with coleslaw and a chipotle chili mayonnaise that adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the chicken sandwich that is balanced out by the cool and creamy coleslaw.
The coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and is tossed with a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard, which gives it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. The coleslaw is a perfect complement to the spicy chicken, as it helps to cool the palate and balance out the flavors of the sandwich.
To make the coleslaw, finely shred a head of green cabbage and a carrot (I use a bagged mix for ease). In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the cabbage and carrots with the dressing and set aside. You can find my recipe here.
To assemble the Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich , place the crispy chicken on the bottom half of the bun, top it with coleslaw, and then add the top half of the bun. The sandwich can be served warm, with a side of fries or a salad.
This Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal with a spicy kick. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy coleslaw is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chipotle mayo adds a smoky, spicy flavor that is sure to satisfy. This sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy!
Ingredients in Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich:
Chicken thighs. I prefer chicken thighs over breasts. The thighs stay nice and juicy and don’t risk drying out like a chicken breast could.
Wet batter made of flour, seltzer water, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. And YES I said seltzer water. Seltzer water can be used in a wet batter for frying to create a crisp and light texture. The carbonation in the water causes the batter to puff up when fried, resulting in a crispy exterior. It also helps to keep the inside moist and tender.
Mayonnaise which is the base of our sauce.
Chipotle chilis in adobe which adds a nice spicy and smokey flavor.
Lime juice adds the acid to bring the sauce all together.
Coleslaw to help balance out the spiciness of the chipotle mayonnaise.
Brioche buns.
How to make Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich:
First make the chipotle chili mayonnaise by mixing together the mayonnaise, chipotle chili in adobo and lime juice. Set aside and allow for all of those wonder flavors to marinate.


Add seltzer water to the seasoned flour.
Whisk well to combine.
Dip chicken thighs in the wet batter.
Slowly lower the chicken into hot oil and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Flip and cook until the chicken is golden brown, the juices run clear, and an internal temperature reaches 170 degrees.
Spoon the chipotle mayonnaise onto the top bun, add fried chicken thigh to the bottom bun, top with coleslaw and top bun. Eat with abandonment!
What are Chipotle Chilis in Adobo?
Chipotle chilis in adobo are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They are made by smoking and drying ripe jalapeño peppers, then canning them in a flavorful sauce made of vinegar, tomato, onion, garlic, and a variety of spices. The result is a smoky, slightly spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that is used in many traditional Mexican dishes.
One of the most popular ways to use chipotle chilis in adobo is to make a marinade for meats, such as chicken or pork. The smoky flavor of the chilis pairs well with the rich flavor of the meats, and the acidity in the adobo sauce helps to tenderize the meats as they marinate. Chipotle chilis in adobo can also be used to make a delicious salsa, which can be served with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for other dishes.
It can also be used as a base for soups and stews, adding a depth of flavor and a smoky heat that is hard to replicate with other ingredients. Chipotle chilis in adobo can be found in cans or in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, often near other Mexican ingredients. They are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

Southern Style Chipotle Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Chipotle Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo chopped
- Juice from 1/2 lime
Fried Chicken
- 6 Chicken thighs
- 4 tsp salt divided
- 3 tsp pepper divided
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1.5 cups seltzer water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 6 brioche buns toasted
Instructions
Chipotle Mayonnaise
- Combine mayonnaise, chipotle chili in adobo and lime juice. Set aside to marry the flavors.
Fried Chicken
- Begin heating 1 inch of oil to 375 degrees.
- Cut the extra fat from the chicken thighs and season well with 2 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of pepper.
- Add the remaining salt and pepper together with the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add seltzer water and mix until smooth.
- Dip the chicken thighs in the batter.
- Slowly lower the chicken thighs into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary.
- Cook untouched for 5 minutes, flip and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Spoon chipotle mayonnaise to the top of a bun. Top the bottom of the bun with one chicken thigh, top with coleslaw and top bun. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Other Dishes you May Enjoy:
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Fettucine – Ready in 30 Minutes!!
Crazy Good French Chicken Fricassee
Crawfish Cream Sauce over Fried Mozzarella
Mouthwatering Exquisite Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
I made this for my ladies card group, they all loved it.
Looks awesome can’t wait to try it.
Thank you!! Let me know how it comes out.