Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good, crispy chicken sandwich? But what if you could take it up a notch by adding some heat and a rich homemade sauce? This Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Homemade Sauce will elevate your sandwich game, combining juicy, crispy chicken fillets with a perfect kick of spice. Whether you’re preparing this for a weekend treat or a weeknight dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts and make sure they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Step 2: Make the Coating

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination will give your chicken a perfectly crispy and spicy coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
2. Coat the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken breasts and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the chicken into the flour to make sure it’s fully coated.
3. Fry Until Golden: Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot oil, frying for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Homemade Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. This sauce will bring a perfect blend of creaminess, tang, and heat to your spicy chicken sandwich.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Toast the Brioche Buns: Spread a little butter on the insides of the brioche buns. In a separate pan, toast the buns on medium heat until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. This step adds extra texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.

Step 6: Assemble the Spicy Chicken Sandwich

1. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of the homemade sauce on both sides of the toasted buns.
2. Add the Chicken: Place a crispy chicken breast on the bottom bun.
3. Top with Veggies: Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles if desired.
4. Finish with the Top Bun: Place the top bun on the sandwich and press down gently.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Sandwich

• Perfect Crunch: The combination of flour and cornstarch in the breading gives the chicken a satisfyingly crispy texture, while the buttermilk marinade keeps it juicy on the inside.
• Homemade Sauce: The sauce adds a rich, creamy element with just the right amount of heat. It’s a perfect balance of tangy and spicy that complements the chicken.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
• Customizable Heat Level: If you love spice, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne and opt for a mild hot sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Use Fresh Chicken Breasts

• Fresh chicken gives the best texture and flavor. If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

Don’t Skip the Marinating Step

• Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it and infuses it with flavor. If you can, marinate for a few hours to really let the chicken soak up the spices.

Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent

• Maintaining a steady oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

With Fries:

• Serve your spicy chicken sandwich with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo.

With a Side Salad:

• Lighten up your meal with a simple side salad, like a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Add a Pickle:

• If you love pickles, add some pickle slices to your sandwich for extra crunch and tang.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• If you have leftovers, store the chicken and buns separately. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispiness.

Conclusion

This Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a game-changer for any chicken sandwich lover. With a perfect blend of crunch, spice, and creamy homemade sauce, it’s a must-try for your next meal. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household!

FAQs

1. Can I make this sandwich less spicy?
   Absolutely! To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce in both the marinade and the sauce.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get the same crispiness as frying, but it’s a healthier alternative.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just make sure they are boneless and pounded thin for even cooking.
4. What other toppings can I add?
   You can get creative with toppings! Try adding jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or even a fried egg for a unique twist.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat. Just reheat the chicken before assembling.
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   Yield: 4

   Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce Recipe

   

   Print

   Who doesn’t love a good, crispy chicken sandwich? But what if you could take it up a notch by adding some heat and a rich homemade sauce? This Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Homemade Sauce will elevate your sandwich game, combining juicy, crispy chicken fillets with a perfect kick of spice. Whether you’re preparing this for a weekend treat or a weeknight dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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   Prep Time 20 minutes

   Cook Time 15 minutes

   Marinating Time (Optional) 30 minutes

   Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

   Ingredients

   • For the Chicken:
   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
   • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating, optional)
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 cup cornstarch
   • 2 teaspoons paprika
   • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
   • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
   • For the Homemade Spicy Sauce:
   • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
   • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
   • 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
   • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
   • For the Sandwich:
   • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato rolls work great)
   • 4 slices pepper jack cheese (optional)
   • Lettuce leaves
   • Pickles (optional)
   • Tomato slices (optional)

   Instructions

   1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional):
      In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the chicken breasts with the buttermilk. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This will make the chicken extra tender and juicy.
   2. Prepare the Coating:
      In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika.
   3. Coat the Chicken:
      Remove the chicken from the buttermilk (if marinated) and shake off the excess. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the coating to stick.
   4. Fry the Chicken:
      Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   5. Make the Spicy Sauce:
      In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, smoked paprika, honey, and Dijon mustard. Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or sriracha, depending on your spice preference.
   6. Assemble the Sandwich:
      Toast the burger buns in a dry skillet or in the oven until lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of the spicy sauce on the bottom and top buns. Layer with lettuce, pickles, and tomato slices (if using). Add a fried chicken piece and a slice of pepper jack cheese, if desired.
   7. Serve:
      Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

   Notes

   Marinating: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it and makes the coating adhere better, but if you're in a hurry, you can skip this step.

   Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

   Cheese: Pepper jack adds a nice kick, but you can use cheddar or skip the cheese entirely.

   Serving Suggestions: Serve with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a side of pickles for a complete meal.