Name: The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs, pounded to even thickness; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 tbsp Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp paprika powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cayenne powder (reduce for less spice); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp Sriracha or your choice of hot sauce; Cooking oil for frying; 4 burger buns, lightly toasted with butter; Lettuce, tomato, and/or pickles sliced, or your choice of toppings

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If you are craving something that is crispy, juicy, and packed with a fiery kick, you have just found your new favorite. The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe combines tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating, all drizzled with a creamy, spicy mayo that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and ideal for lunch or dinner when you want to impress yourself or your friends with a flavorful sandwich that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden board holds various ingredients neatly arranged for a recipe. At the top left, a transparent glass bowl is filled with white flour and cornstarch mix. To its right, a smaller glass bowl contains dark red sriracha sauce. Below the flour, raw pink chicken pieces rest on a square piece of parchment paper. In the middle, a small glass bowl has reddish-brown paprika powder, with other small glass bowls containing light beige garlic powder, white salt, black pepper, and bright red cayenne powder nearby. At the bottom left, a larger glass bowl holds creamy white mayonnaise. To the right, a small white pitcher is filled with buttermilk. On the right side of the board, two golden brown burger buns sprinkled with sesame seeds complete the setup. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the straightforward list fool you; each ingredient plays an essential role in building the mouthwatering layers of this sandwich. From the tangy buttermilk that ensures tender chicken to the spicy powders in the crunchy coating, these ingredients create a symphony of taste and texture.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and ultimate juiciness.
Buttermilk: The secret to tenderizing the chicken and adding a subtle tang.
Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce: Brings the heat both in the marinade and the spicy mayo.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Essential seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Create the perfect crispy crust without heaviness.
Paprika and cayenne powder: Add a smoky, spicy depth in the coating.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy mayo, balancing heat with richness.
Burger buns: Lightly toasted with butter to provide a buttery, golden foundation.
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, or your favorite toppings: Freshness and crunch that complete the sandwich experience.
Cooking oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

How to Make The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing buttermilk, Sriracha, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This marinade tenderizes the chicken thighs beautifully while infusing them with spicy, savory flavor that penetrates deeply. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or even better, overnight, to maximize juiciness.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

While the chicken marinates, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne powder. This combination delivers the outrageously crispy and flavorful crust that defines The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Adding a splash of the marinade to the dry mix helps it cling perfectly to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, then dredge each piece in your seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every inch is evenly coated. This step is crucial for that irresistibly crunchy outer layer that locks in juicy tenderness.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet to around 325˚F (165˚C). Fry the coated chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (75˚C). The result is a perfectly cooked, crispy, and spicy chicken piece that is pure sandwich magic.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo and Assemble

Mix mayonnaise with Sriracha to create a creamy, fiery spread. Generously slather this spicy mayo on both sides of your toasted buns, then layer with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and the fried chicken. Serve immediately to enjoy your sandwich at its crispiest and freshest.

How to Serve The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a burger with four clear layers. The bottom bun is golden brown and topped with a creamy sauce spread evenly. Above this is a slice of red tomato partially hidden by bright green, ruffled lettuce leaves. On top of the lettuce lies a thick, crispy fried chicken piece with a crunchy, textured coating in a warm golden color. The whole burger is finished with a shiny, golden brown sesame seed bun top sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The burger sits on brown paper over a wooden board, with a blurred green background behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickles perfectly complement the richness and spice of the chicken. They add balance, freshness, and a variety of textures that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your sandwich with classic fries, crunchy slaw, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides bring contrast and additional flavor to the plate, rounding out your meal beautifully without overshadowing the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your sandwich wrapped in parchment with a sprig of fresh herbs for a casual vibe or cut in half on a wooden board with dipping sauces on the side for a shareable, picture-perfect presentation. Adding a side of pickled jalapeños can also enhance the spicy experience for those who love extra heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover spicy chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and spreads separate to prevent sogginess, so the sandwich remains as close to fresh as possible when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked fried chicken pieces individually on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you have ready-to-go protein for quick meals later. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich to maintain texture and quality.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 375˚F (190˚C) for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crunch. Toast the buns fresh just before assembling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs give more juiciness and tenderness, chicken breasts can be used if pounded evenly and marinated well. Just be careful not to overcook breasts, as they dry out faster.

How spicy is The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe?

The heat level is adjustable depending on how much Sriracha and cayenne powder you include. It has a nice, balanced kick that isn’t overwhelming, but spice lovers can easily turn up the heat.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and confirm your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free. It won’t compromise the crunchy coating.

Is the marinade necessary?

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce is key to ensuring it stays tender and flavorful inside while developing a tasty crust outside. Skipping it risks a less juicy sandwich.

What toppings work best with this sandwich?

Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles never fail, but feel free to add sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg to take your sandwich to the next level.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring comfort and excitement together in one handheld bite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a personal favorite for me to make on busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with every spicy, crispy mouthful!