Do Share Recipe

Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce Recipe: My Favorite Bold & Crispy Bite

I made this spicy chicken sandwich with homemade sauce on a whim – and I’m so glad I did! It turned out crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. The sauce alone was worth licking the spoon for!

If you’re like me and love a good kick of spice with a creamy finish, you’ll love this one. And if you’re a fan of easy comfort food like my Garlic Sesame Chicken Recipe That Beats Takeout Every Time, this sandwich will definitely become a new favorite.

Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Ultimate Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Each ingredient here plays an important role in creating a juicy, crunchy, and flavor-packed sandwich. Go for quality and freshness for the best result.

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut horizontally): Ensures even cooking and better breading coverage.
1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds slight tang.
1 tablespoon hot sauce: Infuses heat right into the marinade.
1½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crispy coating.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle earthiness and color.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings the fiery flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances out the heat.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together.
Vegetable oil: For frying to golden, crunchy perfection.

For the Creamy Homemade Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Sharpness with a tangy edge.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweet to balance the heat.
1 teaspoon hot sauce: Keeps the kick going.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings brightness.
Salt & pepper: To taste.

For Assembling the Sandwich:

4 brioche buns: Buttery and soft, they hold up to the juicy chicken.
Pickle slices: Add a tangy crunch.
Butter: For toasting the buns golden.

Note: This recipe serves 4 sandwiches generously based on the ingredients listed.

Tasty Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? You can personalize this spicy chicken sandwich to suit different preferences or diets. These alternatives also make this recipe perfect for your “dinner recipes” collection.

Air Fryer Option: Skip the oil and air fry at 390°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based mayo and dairy-free milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
Low Carb: Skip the bun and serve in lettuce wraps.
Extra Crunchy: Add crushed cornflakes to the breading mix.
Sweeter Sauce: Add a bit more honey for balance if you’re not into heavy spice.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Here’s a quick guide on how much time this recipe takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Have these kitchen tools ready for smooth cooking:

Mixing bowls: For marinating and sauce prep.
Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients evenly.
Shallow dish: For dredging the chicken in flour and spices.
Tongs: To flip the chicken while frying.
Wire rack: For draining the chicken after frying.
Large skillet or deep fryer: For frying the chicken.
Spatula: To toast the buns and assemble the sandwich.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce

Let’s get to the good stuff – making this spicy masterpiece from scratch!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Add them to the bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the chicken extra juicy and lets the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth. Store in the fridge while the chicken marinates – the flavors deepen over time.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

In a shallow dish, mix your flour with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spiced mix gives your chicken that crave-worthy crispy crust.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge it in your seasoned flour. For an extra crispy crust, dip it back into the buttermilk and then re-coat with flour. This double-dip method is worth it!

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat your oil to 350°F (use a thermometer if needed). Carefully add chicken pieces, frying for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The coating should be golden brown and the inside should reach 165°F. Set the cooked fillets on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

While the chicken rests, lightly butter your brioche buns and toast them in a skillet until golden. It adds that soft crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich

Now the fun part! Spread a generous layer of your creamy homemade sauce on the bottom bun. Add a few pickle slices, layer in the crispy chicken, and spoon more sauce on top if you love extra flavor. Place the top bun on and you’re done!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this several times, I’ve picked up a few tips that make it even better every time:

Use fresh chicken instead of frozen for best texture and flavor.
Don’t skip the resting step after frying – it keeps the crust crispy.
Toasting the buns is a game-changer; it adds texture and keeps the sandwich intact.
Make the sauce in advance – it gets better as it sits.
If you want extra heat, mix a pinch of cayenne into the sauce too.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Sauce

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a few tasty sides and toppings. Here are my favorite ways to serve it (and it reminds me a bit of my hearty Jalapeno Popper Bagels Recipe in comfort factor):

Serve with classic fries, curly fries, or sweet potato fries.
Add a fresh side salad or creamy coleslaw for balance.
Slice it in half and serve with dipping sauce for a party-style dish.
Garnish with fresh chopped herbs or more pickles for a pop of color.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition profile per sandwich:

Calories: 630
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 32g

Great for a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

How to Store Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

Refrigerating: Store leftover chicken fillets and sauce separately in airtight containers. They’ll stay good for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.
Reheating: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave—it’ll soften the crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for reasons to try this spicy chicken sandwich with homemade sauce? Here’s why I think it’s a must-make:

It’s quick and easy: Only 35 minutes from start to finish!
Perfectly crispy and juicy: The breading and marinade are next-level.
Customizable: You can dial up the heat or tone it down.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for dinner, parties, or weekend lunches.
Restaurant-style taste: But made right in your kitchen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Even great recipes can go wrong with a few missteps. Here’s what I recommend avoiding:

Using cold oil: This leads to soggy chicken. Make sure the oil is fully heated.
Skipping the double dredge: It’s what makes the crust extra crunchy.
Overcrowding the pan: Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
Not toasting the buns: They’ll soak up sauce and get soggy fast.
Using low-fat mayo for sauce: It may separate or taste too tangy.

More Info for a Better Cooking Experience

If you’re planning to meal-prep, fry the chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven when ready to eat.
This sauce works great on burgers, wraps, and even as a dip for fries.
Don’t forget to season the flour well—it’s key to the chicken’s final flavor.
Feel free to experiment with coleslaw or spicy jalapeños on top!

Ben Carraoli