The Sweet-Savory Combo That Gives Chicken Sandwiches Next-Level Flavor

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If you're someone who likes to roll cookies in a salty-sweet coating of sugar and salt for extra flavor, then you may be ready to take your next main meal to a whole new level. For example, if you're tired of consuming the same old fast food chicken sandwiches and want a surefire way to elevate a traditional at-home recipe, all you need is a saucy upgrade that incorporates both sweet and savory flavors.

Sure enough, the only condiment you need to upgrade homemade chicken sandwiches is maple butter. Especially if you like the idea of cooking homemade fried chicken in buttermilk and signature spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, topping this dish with maple butter not only adds moisture but imparts one-of-a-kind flavor to stacked chicken sandwiches.

Not to mention, making your own maple butter is quick and easy. For a simple, all-purpose, glaze-like sauce, all you need to do is melt some salted or unsalted butter in a saucepan over your stove and then add the maple syrup to it. You can also microwave and vigorously mix the combined mixture in small increments until smooth. To achieve a thicker and more compound butter-like consistency, first reduce your maple syrup by bringing it to a gentle simmer and then whisk it into whipped butter. Now all you need to do is add a few spoonfuls of this sweet and salty butter over chicken sandwiches for an unbeatable finishing touch.

Once you experience how easy it is to make your own maple butter, feel free to take it to the next level with a few extra ingredients. For example, if you're looking to make spicier chicken sandwiches, upgrade your maple butter recipe with hot sauce. Prepare the maple butter as usual but add in a good amount of any popular brand of hot sauce, like Frank's RedHot or sriracha. You can also include a small amount of lime juice for a tangy kick. Then, simmer everything together over your stove until you achieve your desired consistency.

On the other hand, to make a more breakfast-forward recipe like sweet and savory crispy buttermilk chicken and waffles, use more maple syrup than butter when preparing your sauce for a more pourable consistency, or upgrade your maple butter with warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Keep in mind, whether you're making chicken sandwiches or chicken and waffles, to properly balance the addition of maple butter, serve your chicken on a toasted bun or sturdy pieces of bread or waffles.

Once you begin to enjoy the combination of crispy chicken topped with maple butter, feel free to upgrade your sandwiches with a variety of complementary toppings. If you're making savory sandwiches, pair maple butter chicken with creamy coleslaw or melted cheese. Or, for more breakfast-friendly toppings, add fried eggs and brown sugar bacon.