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
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Crispy Coating
- 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
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from the marinade and coat in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick, crispy crust.
- Fry 2 pieces at a time for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Make the Spicy Mayo
- Mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and honey in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Toast brioche buns in a dry pan or under a broiler.
- Spread spicy mayo on both halves of the bun.
- Place crispy fried chicken on the bottom bun, then top with pickles, lettuce, and the top bun.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- 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.