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Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce

Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce

Experience the ultimate flavor explosion with this Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce, featuring crispy, juicy chicken coated in bold spices and a luscious, tangy sauce that perfectly balances the heat. This sandwich delivers layers of spice, crunch, and creamy goodness for a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (tender cuts, about 2 pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Creamy Homemade Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Sandwich Assembly

  • Soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Pickles
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Soak the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Make the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned mixture will create a crispy, flavorful crust.
  3. Coat and fry the chicken: Remove chicken pieces from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Fry the chicken in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the creamy homemade sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth and tangy, adjusting heat to your preference.
  5. Assemble your sandwich: Lightly toast the buns for warmth and structure. Spread the creamy sauce on both sides of each bun, layer the crispy spicy chicken, add pickles, and any optional toppings like lettuce or sliced onions. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for more tenderness and flavor.
  • Use fresh oil heated to the right temperature to ensure crispiness and avoid greasiness.
  • Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
  • Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
  • Customize the sauce by adding honey or extra lemon juice for sweetness or tang.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free or almond flour.
  • For a vegetarian alternative, use crispy fried cauliflower instead of chicken.
  • Reheat cooked chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
  • Store leftover chicken and sauce separately from buns in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken sandwich, creamy sauce, crispy chicken, homemade sauce, fried chicken sandwich, gluten free option, spicy sandwich