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Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 131 reviews

This Spicy Chicken Sandwich features tender, marinated boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned dredge, then fried to crispy golden perfection. Served on toasted brioche buns with a creamy homemade sauce, crisp pickles, fresh lettuce, and optional tomato slices, it’s a satisfying and spicy comfort food classic that’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded 1/2‑inch thick)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Dredge

  • 1 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Frying

  • 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Creamy Homemade Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

To Serve

  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 8 dill pickle slices
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1 small tomato (sliced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2-inch. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Submerge the chicken breasts in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
  2. Mix the Dredge: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This seasoned flour mixture creates the crispy coating for the chicken.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour 3 cups of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a wire rack over a sheet pan nearby to drain the cooked chicken and keep it crispy.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well. For extra crunch, you can double dredge by dipping the coated chicken back into the marinade and then the flour again.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 4 to 6 minutes until the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use the wire rack to drain excess oil.
  6. Make the Creamy Homemade Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche burger buns to add warmth and slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the sandwich.
  8. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the creamy sauce generously on the toasted buns. Layer each sandwich with a fried chicken breast, two dill pickle slices, a lettuce leaf, and tomato slices if desired.
  9. Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with extra creamy sauce on the side for dipping or spreading.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to develop deeper flavors and juiciness.
  • Double dredging the chicken ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.
  • Use a thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the marinade and sauce based on your preferred spice level.
  • Brioche buns are recommended for their soft texture and slight sweetness that complement the spicy chicken well.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, the chicken can be baked instead of fried but expect less crispiness.

Keywords: Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Homemade Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Fried Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Brioche Bun

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/spicy-chicken-sandwich-with-creamy-homemade-sauce-recipe/