Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce
The ultimate Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce offers a bold flavor explosion featuring crispy and juicy chicken with a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make recipe combines perfectly seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and a luscious homemade sauce that is both spicy and creamy, ideal for all skill levels and customizable to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying (with baking alternative)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free with substitutions
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Creamy Homemade Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Toppings and Assembly
- Pickles, sliced
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- 2 brioche buns (or alternative buns like whole wheat or potato rolls)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Marinate them in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and some hot sauce. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Make the Spicy Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. This will create a crispy and spicy coating.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the spicy coating mixture. Fry the chicken in hot oil (350°F to 375°F) for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the interior stays juicy.
- Whip up the Creamy Homemade Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This sauce balances the heat with a tangy, cooling flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lightly toast brioche buns for extra texture. Spread a generous amount of the creamy sauce on both buns. Layer fresh lettuce, pickles, and the crispy fried chicken. Top with the remaining bun and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Maintain frying oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for perfect crispiness.
- Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken to retain crispiness instead of paper towels.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice in the sauce to customize its tanginess.
- Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken sandwich, creamy homemade sauce, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, sandwich, comfort food, homemade sauce, spicy sandwich