Jul 17 2026
RestaurantsGRUB DurhamMama's Big Bird Recipe

Mama's Big Bird Recipe

Inspired by GRUB Durham
Time45m
Serves4

Fried chicken tossed in spicy honey Sriracha w/maple pepper bacon, Mama's Bread & Butter pickles and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese on a grilled brioche bun

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fried Chicken and Toppings

Method

Preparation and Cooking

  1. 1

    Marinate Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Bacon

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the maple pepper bacon until crispy. Remove from skillet and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve the bacon grease.

  3. 3

    Coat the Chicken

    Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator. In a shallow dish, add flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off excess.

  4. 4

    Fry the Chicken

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  5. 5

    Make the Spicy Honey Sriracha Sauce

    In a small bowl, mix honey and Sriracha sauce until well combined. Toss the fried chicken in this sauce until evenly coated.

  6. 6

    Assemble the Sandwiches

    Toast the brioche buns in the reserved bacon grease until golden. On each bun, place a piece of spicy honey Sriracha chicken, a few slices of crispy bacon, a generous spoonful of bread and butter pickles, and a sprinkle of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Top with the other half of the bun.

More from GRUB Durham