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This Spicy Chicken Sandwich packs a flavorful punch! Crispy chicken and a zesty homemade sauce come together to create a tasty treat that will make your taste buds dance.
It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉 I love how easy it is to whip up the sauce—mix a few ingredients, and you’re ready to go. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
For the best bites, pair it with fresh veggies and your favorite drink. I can’t resist seconds when I make this sandwich; it’s just too delicious to stop at one!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use large, boneless chicken breasts for easy frying. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer juiciness. For a lighter option, try skinless chicken or even plant-based patties for a vegetarian version.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is great for tenderizing the chicken. You can make your own by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, use plain yogurt or dairy-free milk with an acid for a similar effect.
Flour & Spices: All-purpose flour works best for a crispy coating. You could swap it with gluten-free flour if needed. The spice mix is flexible—feel free to add your favorite spices, like cayenne for more heat or Italian seasoning for a different flavor.
Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite hot sauce for the sauce. If you’re not a fan of heat, try a milder option like barbecue sauce or a tangy mustard instead. Adjust the amount according to your taste!
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Every Time?
Achieving crispy chicken is all about proper coating and frying technique. Start with the marination in buttermilk, which adds moisture and flavor.
- Make sure to let any excess buttermilk drip off before dredging in flour.
- Press the chicken into the flour mix firmly. This helps the crust stick and get crispy.
- Fry in hot oil—test the temperature with a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the temperature and can lead to soggy chicken.
Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil, keeping it crispy and delicious!
Delicious Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce
What You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 3-4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
- Pickles (optional)
- Lettuce or other toppings (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spicy chicken sandwich is a delightful dish that will take about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 15 minutes for cooking. If you let the chicken marinate overnight, it will be even more flavorful! After everything is put together, just a few minutes for assembly, and you’re ready to serve!
Instructions:
Let’s kick things off by marinating that chicken! In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken breasts. Ensure they’re completely covered, then cover your bowl and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge. If you have time, letting it sit overnight really amps up the flavor!
While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, grab a shallow dish and mix together your coating. Combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mixing it well will give your chicken a fantastic flavor punch!
Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time for dredging! Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Then, coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Shake off any stray flour—no need for too much!
Grab a large skillet and heat up some oil on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a little bit of flour—it should sizzle!), carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want that internal temperature to hit 165°F. Once done, transfer your frying stars onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Now let’s whip up that flavorful sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined. Taste it and adjust the spice level if you like it a bit hotter!
Time to assemble your scrumptious sandwiches! Take a burger bun and spread a generous amount of your zesty sauce on the bottom half. Place your crispy chicken right on top. If you like, throw on some pickles and lettuce for that crunchy touch! Finally, cap it off with the top half of the bun.
Last step—serve those spicy chicken sandwiches warm and enjoy every delicious bite! Feel free to tweak the spice levels or add in any of your favorite toppings. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add an extra juiciness to your sandwich. Just make sure to adjust the frying time, as they might take a little longer than chicken breasts to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F. Also, be sure to slice them to roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This works great for marinating the chicken!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
For any leftovers, store the components separately if possible. Keep the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. Assemble the sandwich fresh just before eating for the best taste!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the spicy sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle.
