Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This crunchy fiery Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich is made with chicken breast, buttermilk, and cayenne pepper, and ready in 35 minutes. Biting through the golden crust reveals tender meat packed with bold heat. I love making these on weekends instead of ordering from my local drive-thru.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to think getting that thick, shattered crust at home was impossible without a commercial fryer. My first few attempts ended up with breading that slid right off the meat.

I learned that pressing the flour firmly into the marinated chicken and letting it rest is crucial. Now, my kitchen turns out better sandwiches than the fast food chains.

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Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• 1/4 cup spicy mayo
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles

How To Make Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich

1. 1. Marinate the Chicken: Whisk the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken breast halves and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. 2. Mix the Dry Coating: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
3. 3. Dredge the Meat: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press it firmly into the flour mixture until completely coated.
4. 4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. 5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread spicy mayo on the toasted brioche buns. Add the pickles and top with the fried chicken.

Recipe Tips

• Use cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture creates a much lighter and crunchier crust than flour alone.
• Rest after dredging: Let the coated chicken sit on a wire rack for five minutes before frying to help the breading stick.
• Check oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F so the crust does not burn before the inside cooks.

What To Serve With Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

Pair these sandwiches with crispy waffle fries or creamy coleslaw to balance the heat. A cold, refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade also cuts through the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.

How To Store

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375°F to restore the crunch. Keep the buns and toppings stored separately.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Spray the chicken well with cooking spray to help the crust brown.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture to a pinch or omit it entirely. You can also use regular mayo instead of spicy mayo.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy and are a great substitute for breast meat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
• Protein: 30 g

Try More Recipes:

• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe
• Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich Recipe