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Spicy Chicken Sandwich

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Short Description

This Spicy Chicken Sandwich features a crispy, golden-brown chicken fillet coated in a fiery, flavorful spice blend, topped with cool, creamy sauce, fresh lettuce, and pickles, all inside a toasted brioche bun. This restaurant-quality sandwich is easy to make at home and perfect for satisfying your cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold spices
  • Easy to make at home—better than fast food!
  • Customizable spice levels to suit your taste
  • Perfectly balanced with a creamy, cooling sauce
  • Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Buttermilk
  • Hot sauce
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • Baking powder
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Oil (for frying)

For the Spicy Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Hot sauce (Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or your favorite)
  • Garlic powder
  • Lemon juice

For Assembly:

  • Brioche buns
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce
  • Sliced tomato (optional)

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together.
  2. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Make the Spicy Coating

  1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Remove chicken from marinade and coat in the seasoned flour mixture.
  3. Fry for 5–7 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
  4. Drain on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

  1. Toast the brioche buns for extra flavor.
  2. Spread spicy sauce on both halves of the bun.
  3. Layer with lettuce, pickles, and crispy chicken.
  4. Top with the other bun and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2–4 sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne to the flour mix or use ghost pepper hot sauce.
  • Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Honey Spicy Chicken: Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.
  • Healthier Option: Use grilled chicken instead of fried.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs stay juicier and add extra flavor.

How do I make my chicken extra crispy?

Use cornstarch and double-dip in the flour mixture.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil work best.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes! Fry the chicken in advance and reheat before assembling.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Toast them in butter on a skillet for extra richness.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Reduce cayenne and hot sauce for a milder version.

Can I use regular sandwich buns?

Yes! Brioche is preferred, but potato rolls or sesame buns work too.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What sides go well with this sandwich?

Serve with fries, coleslaw, or onion rings for a complete meal.

Can I use a pre-made spicy mayo?

Yes! But homemade sauce has better flavor and is easy to make.

Conclusion

This Spicy Chicken Sandwich is crispy, juicy, and packed with bold, fiery flavor. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, it’s better than fast food and easy to make at home. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich!

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Spicy Chicken Sandwich

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Deep Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Fast Food
Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Chicken Sandwich features crispy, golden-fried chicken coated in a bold, flavorful spice blend, topped with creamy spicy mayo, crisp lettuce, and pickles on a soft toasted bun. Perfect for a restaurant-style sandwich at home!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Spicy Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half to make 4 pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Spicy Mayo:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)

For Assembling:

  • 4 brioche buns (toasted)
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 8 dill pickle slices

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

2. Prepare the Crispy Coating

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat & Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick, crispy crust.
  3. Fry 2 pieces at a time for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

4. Make the Spicy Mayo

  1. Mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and honey in a small bowl.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Toast brioche buns in a dry pan or under a broiler.
  2. Spread spicy mayo on both halves of the bun.
  3. Place crispy fried chicken on the bottom bun, then top with pickles, lettuce, and the top bun.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Serve immediately with fries, coleslaw, or a side of extra spicy mayo!

Notes

  • Extra Spicy? Add ½ teaspoon ghost pepper powder to the flour mix or toss chicken in spicy buffalo sauce after frying.
  • Baked Version? Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Air Fryer Option? Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, and spray with oil for crispiness.

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