Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This crispy juicy Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich is made with chicken thighs, buttermilk, and cayenne pepper, and ready in 1 hour 30 minutes. The crunch of the thick, craggy coating gives way to tender meat as the creamy spiced mayo drips over the sides of the toasted brioche bun. I love making these on weekends instead of ordering from my local fast food spot.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to spend a small fortune trying to find the ultimate fast food chicken sandwich. Nothing quite matched the crunch I craved, and the heat levels were always too mild for my preference.

The real turning point came when I started using cornstarch in my flour dredge. It creates a shatteringly crisp crust that stays crunchy even after being slathered in spicy mayo.

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Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Breading:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Assembly:

• 4 brioche buns
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 16 dill pickle slices

How To Make Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, and salt. Add the chicken thighs, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade into the flour and rub it in to create shaggy flakes.
3. Coat the chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the seasoned flour mixture until completely coated.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 350F. Fry the chicken pieces for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165F.
5. Mix the sauce: While the chicken rests on a wire rack, stir the mayonnaise and remaining hot sauce together in a small bowl.
6. Assemble the sandwiches: Toast the brioche buns, spread the spicy mayo on both halves, and layer with pickles and the fried chicken.

Recipe Tips

• Double coat for extra crunch: If you want a massively thick crust, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and flour a second time before frying.
• Use a wire rack: Always drain your fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels. This prevents the underside from steaming and becoming soggy.
• Monitor oil temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350F. If it drops too low, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy.

What To Serve With Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

These robust sandwiches pair perfectly with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or tangy potato salad. A cold, crisp lager or a glass of sweet iced tea is ideal for cutting through the rich, spicy flavors.

How To Store

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in an oven or air fryer at 375F until warmed through and crisp. Do not assemble the sandwiches until you are ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just pound them to an even thickness so they fry at the same rate and do not dry out.

Can I bake or air fry this instead?
Air frying works well. Spray the coated chicken generously with oil and air fry at 380F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I make it less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and use less hot sauce in the mayonnaise. You can also skip the hot sauce in the marinade entirely.

Nutrition

• Calories: 780 kcal
• Total Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg
• Sodium: 1450 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
• Protein: 32 g

Try More Recipes:

• Grilled Chicken Thigh Sandwich Recipe
• Spicy Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe