Description
A flavorful and crispy spicy chicken sandwich featuring marinated chicken thighs coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a zesty Sriracha mayo sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on toasted buns, this sandwich delivers a satisfying spicy kick in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Flour Coating
- 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)
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (or your choice of hot sauce)
Other Ingredients
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- 4 burger buns, lightly toasted with butter
- Lettuce, tomato, and/or pickles, sliced (or your choice of toppings)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, Sriracha, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the pounded chicken thighs and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne powder until evenly combined. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy and spicy coating.
- Coat the Chicken and Make Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of the marinade liquid to the flour mixture and stir with a fork to create a slightly moistened dredge. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thorough coating. Separately, mix the mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl to prepare the spicy mayo sauce.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 325ËšF (165ËšC). Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165ËšF (75ËšC) at the thickest part.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Generously spread the spicy mayo sauce on the lightly toasted buns. Layer the fried chicken thighs on the bottom bun, followed by your choice of lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Top with the other bun half, serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect spicy chicken sandwich.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit cayenne powder and adjust Sriracha to taste.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature remains steady for optimal frying.
- Leftover spicy mayo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try swapping out burger buns for brioche or sandwich rolls for a different texture and flavor.
