If you’re a fan of bold, mouth-watering flavors, you’ve probably already had your fair share of spicy chicken sandwiches. Whether you’ve tried them at your favorite fast food joint or made them at home, there’s just something about the combination of crispy, seasoned chicken, a creamy filling, and a spicy kick that hits the spot. Today, I’m going to share my personal recipe for a spicy chicken sandwich that takes everything you love about this classic dish and elevates it to the next level.
But this isn’t just any recipe; it’s one that brings together perfectly marinated chicken, a crispy flour mixture, and a tantalizing sauce that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. And the best part? It’s easy to make at home. You won’t need to rely on the drive-thru to satisfy your cravings anymore. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Before we even get to the recipe, let me tell you why this spicy chicken sandwich is something you’ll want to make again and again.
Perfectly Marinated Chicken
The key to a truly spicy chicken sandwich is all in the marinade. We’re using a flavorful combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, and hot pepper to give the chicken that perfect kick. Marinating the chicken breasts in this mixture not only adds incredible flavor but ensures that every bite is packed with taste.
Crispy Coating for the Win
The crispy exterior of the chicken is just as important as the marinade. We’re going for a lightly crispy yet tender chicken fillet that stays juicy on the inside. The flour mixture, combined with starch and a little yogurt, creates the perfect batter to coat the chicken.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
What really sets this spicy chicken sandwich apart is the sauce. The combination of chili, honey, and spicy sauces like Samurai and Sambal delivers the right amount of heat while balancing it out with a touch of sweetness. It’s that perfect sauce-to-sandwich ratio that’s sure to impress.
Creamy and Crunchy Filling
The filling brings in a creamy, tangy element with mayonnaise and cream cheese, perfectly complemented by crunchy vegetables like corn, cucumber, carrots, and pickles. It adds another layer of texture and flavor to the sandwich, taking it from good to absolutely irresistible.
Cheddar Cheese
And let’s not forget the cheddar cheese! Melting just slightly over the crispy chicken, it adds that gooey, cheesy goodness that you crave in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make your spicy chicken sandwich:
For the Bread:
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 75 grams of yogurt
- 1/4 cup of oil
- 3/4 cup of water
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 550 grams of chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup of water
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of salad seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/4 cup of chili powder
For the Flour Mixture:
- 3/4 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of starch
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Hot pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 50 ml of yogurt
For the Final Sauce:
- 150 grams of chili
- 75 grams of honey
- 50g of Samurai sauce
- 10g of Sambal
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon of corn
- Cucumber, sliced
- Carrot, shredded
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Pickles, sliced
For the Salad:
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
How to Make the Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
The first thing we’ll do is prepare the bread for our sandwich. This is an easy-to-make dough that, once baked, will create a soft, pillowy bread perfect for holding all the goodness of the chicken and toppings.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 75 grams of yogurt, 1/4 cup of oil, and 3/4 cup of water.
- Mix everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Punch down the dough and shape it into individual buns or a large loaf. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the chicken and filling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now let’s get to the heart of the sandwich: the chicken.
- Start by cutting your chicken breasts into fillets or strips, depending on your preference.
- In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup of water, 1 egg, and all the spices: salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salad seasoning, hot pepper, coriander powder, and chili powder.
- Whisk everything together until it’s well combined, then add the chicken to the bowl. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it’ll absorb.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour Coating
While the chicken is marinating, we’ll prepare the flour mixture that will give the chicken that crispy coating.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of starch, garlic powder, onion powder, hot pepper, salt, and 50 ml of yogurt.
- Mix the ingredients together to form a batter. The consistency should be thick but smooth enough to coat the chicken fillets.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated and the flour mixture is ready, it’s time to fry the chicken!
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, dip each piece of marinated chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Fry the chicken fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can make the chicken soggy.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can make the sauce that will tie everything together.
- In a bowl, combine 150 grams of chili, 75 grams of honey, 50g of Samurai sauce, and 10g of Sambal.
- Stir until everything is well mixed. The sauce should be thick and slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the creamy filling:
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon of corn
- Sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, thinly sliced yellow onion, and pickles.
Mix everything together and set it aside.
Step 7: Assemble the Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your spicy chicken sandwich!
- Slice the freshly baked bread into sandwich-sized portions.
- Spread the creamy filling onto the bottom half of each bread slice.
- Add a piece of crispy chicken on top of the filling.
- Drizzle the spicy sauce generously over the chicken.
- Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Close the sandwich with the top slice of bread.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Your spicy chicken sandwich is now ready to be enjoyed! The flavors come together beautifully: the crispiness of the chicken, the sweetness and heat of the sauce, the creamy filling, and the cheese all in one bite. Pair it with your favorite side, like fries or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that will make everyone ask for seconds.
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Adjust the spice level: If you like your sandwiches extra spicy, add more hot pepper or chili powder to the marinade and sauce. If you prefer something milder, feel free to reduce the amount of spice.
- Choose the right bread: The bread should be soft and able to hold all the fillings without falling apart. You can also try brioche buns for a slightly sweeter and buttery flavor.
- Marinate longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This will allow the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat, making it even tastier.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for the perfect spicy chicken sandwich recipe, this one has got you covered. The combination of crispy, seasoned chicken, creamy fillings, and a sweet-spicy sauce is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.