Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, sweet paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and white pepper. Add the chicken thighs and breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sweet paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create that irresistible crispy coating.
In a frying pan or deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil readiness by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready for frying.
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce and buns.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, pickle juice, and sriracha. Mix well until smooth. This sauce will add creaminess and a touch of sweetness to your sandwich.
To assemble your Best Fried Chicken Sandwich, spread a generous amount of the sauce on the bottom half of each burger bun. Add a piece of fried chicken, top with coleslaw and sliced pickles, then crown with the top half of the bun.
Serve your delicious fried chicken sandwiches hot, and watch them disappear in no time!