Table of Contents
This Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich delivers big flavor with minimal fuss perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual lunch. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes while the corn starch + flour crust gives a crunchy, golden finish. If you love a crispy fried chicken sandwich, you’ll appreciate how fast this comes together; you can also explore other fried-chicken ideas like this Texas Roadhouse-style version for variety: Texas Roadhouse chicken-fried sirloin.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fast prep: a simple wet-and-dry batter system keeps steps clear and quick.
- Crunchy texture: corn starch in the dry batter creates an extra-crisp crust.
- Bold but balanced: buttermilk + hot sauce in the wet batter adds heat and tenderness without overpowering.
Ingredients
Simple, pantry-friendly components make this Spicy Chicken Sandwich easy to assemble.
Wet Batter:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into sandwich-sized fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt & pepper
Dry Batter:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt & pepper
Sandwich:
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 brioche buns
- Pickles
- Oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into sandwich-sized fillets and place in a bowl. Mix buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, corn starch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and salt & pepper for the dry batter.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from wet batter, letting excess drip off, and coat in dry batter, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry chicken fillets in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix mayo, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl for the sandwich spread.
- Toast brioche buns lightly. Spread the spicy mayo on both halves, add pickles, then top with fried chicken fillets.
- Serve the Spicy Chicken Sandwich immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat chicken dry before dredging for better adhesion and crunch.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding temperature will drop and batter gets soggy.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at ~350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
Ingredient Swaps
- Gluten-free: use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and additional cornstarch.
- Dairy-free: substitute dairy-free buttermilk (unsweetened plant milk + lemon juice) for the buttermilk.
- Lower heat: reduce hot sauce or omit Cajun seasoning for mild flavor.
Healthy Option
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a rack for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, for a lighter crispy result.
- Use whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps to cut refined carbs.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Serve with sweet potato fries, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For drinks, iced tea or a citrusy soda complements the spice.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
- High in protein from chicken for muscle repair and satiety.
- Capsaicin from hot sauce can boost metabolism and flavor with minimal calories.
- Buttermilk adds calcium and helps tenderize the meat for juicier bites.
Hosting & Presentation Tips
- Stack sandwiches tall and slice once to show the golden crust.
- Serve on parchment-lined boards for a casual, shareable presentation.
- Offer extra pickles and spicy mayo on the side so guests can customize heat.
Personal Closing Thought + Call-to-Action
This Spicy Chicken Sandwich hits the sweet spot between fast prep and bold flavor a staple for easy entertaining or a satisfying solo meal. Try it tonight and tell us your favorite tweak in the comments!
FAQ
What is the preparation time for this recipe?
The preparation time usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your experience and kitchen equipment.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes, ingredient substitutions are possible depending on dietary restrictions or availability, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk.
Is this recipe suitable for specific diets?
This recipe can be adapted to various diets including vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free with some ingredient modifications.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 to 3 days for best freshness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, many of the steps can be done ahead of time to make meal prep easier and save time during busy days.
Conclusion
For a quick benchmark, check the classic take on a Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Chick-fil-A, or explore a different spin at The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Cookerru.
Print
Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich
A quick and easy Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, featuring a crunchy, golden finish.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into sandwich-sized fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt & pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 brioche buns
- Pickles
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into sandwich-sized fillets and place in a bowl. Mix buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, corn starch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and salt & pepper for the dry batter.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from wet batter, letting excess drip off, and coat in dry batter, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry chicken fillets in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix mayo, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl for the sandwich spread.
- Toast brioche buns lightly. Spread the spicy mayo on both halves, add pickles, then top with fried chicken fillets.
- Serve the Spicy Chicken Sandwich immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before dredging for better adhesion and crunch. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg