Spicy Chicken Sandwich
There’s something undeniably irresistible about a spicy chicken sandwich. Imagine a golden, crispy chicken breast, its fiery crust crackling with every bite, paired with toppings that dance between cool, creamy, and tangy.
Ingredients
Chicken & Breading
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 tbsp cornstarch for extra crunch
Wet Mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk or ½ cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Frying
- 1 –2 cups neutral oil vegetable, canola, or peanut
- Buns & Toppings
- 4 brioche buns or potato rolls, gluten-free buns
Optional Toppings:
- Dill pickles
- Shredded cabbage or slaw
- Spicy mayo mix mayo + hot sauce
- Crispy bacon
- Sliced avocado
- Pickled jalapeños
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Honey or sriracha drizzle
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound with a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Optional Brine Tip: For extra juiciness, soak chicken in ½ cup pickle juice for 30 minutes before prepping.
Mix the Breading
- In a shallow dish, whisk together:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp cayenne (reduce to 1 tsp for mild)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- (Optional) 2 tbsp cornstarch
Make the Wet Mix
- In a separate bowl, whisk:
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice).
Dredge Like a Pro
- First coat: Dip chicken in wet mix, let excess drip off.
- Breading: Press firmly into flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Double-dredge (for extra crunch!): Re-dip in wet mix, then coat in flour again.
- Let breaded chicken rest 5 minutes while heating oil.
Fry to Crispy Glory
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 375°F (use a thermometer).
- Fry chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F.
- Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels!) to keep crispy.
Air Fryer Option
- Spritz breaded chicken with oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Toast buns in a buttered skillet until golden.
- Layer: Bottom bun + spicy mayo + crispy chicken + pickles + slaw (or toppings of choice).
- Crown with the top bun and press gently.