Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a deliciously crispy fried chicken sandwich. This Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich takes the classic to a whole new level with its perfect blend of spices and flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender chicken breast, coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, and slathered with a spicy mayo that leaves your taste buds dancing. It’s the kind of sandwich that’s not only satisfying but also impressively easy to make at home. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this flavorful masterpiece!
Why This Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich Stands Out
What sets this Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich apart from the rest? It’s all in the details! The combination of the Italian-flavored breadcrumbs and the zesty homemade spicy mayo creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch, followed by the rich and creamy texture of the mayo, complemented by the freshness of lettuce and tomato. This sandwich is perfect for a casual lunch, a weekend barbecue, or even an impressive dinner gathering.
Gather These Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- Breadcrumbs (Italian flavored recommended)
- Peanut oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
Cook’s Kit
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer – for frying the chicken to perfection.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the dredging station and mixing the spicy mayo.
- Tongs – for flipping the chicken and assembling the sandwiches.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – to flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying.
Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by taking your chicken breasts and gently pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, place a generous amount of flour, and in a third bowl, pour the breadcrumbs. This triplet setup will help you create that crispy coating.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In your skillet or deep fryer, heat about an inch of peanut oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect frying temperature.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Mayo
While the chicken is frying, mix together the mayo, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more sriracha if desired.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
Toast your buns lightly, then spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half. Place a fried chicken breast on top, followed by fresh lettuce and slices of tomato. Top it off with the other half of the bun.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the sandwich in half for easy handling, serve with your favorite side, and enjoy your homemade Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich!
Seasonal Spins
- Add a slice of avocado in the summer for a creamy twist.
- In the fall, consider adding apple slices and a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.
- During winter, serve with a warm, spicy slaw for a comforting touch.
- For a spring flair, top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after frying before assembling for a juicier bite.
- Feel free to customize your spicy mayo with additional spices like cayenne or jalapeño for more heat.
- Make it a meal with fries or a side salad for a complete dining experience.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
If you happen to have leftovers of your Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich, store the chicken separately from the assembled sandwich. Place the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to retain crispiness before serving again. The spicy mayo can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Quick Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier sandwich and are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat.
Is there a way to bake this sandwich instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What can I serve with this sandwich?
This sandwich pairs perfectly with fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad. You could also go with a side of pickles for that tangy crunch.
How can I make the sandwich less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of sriracha in the mayo and opt for a milder hot sauce or even omit the chipotle chili pepper.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making a Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich, it’s time to get creative! Experiment with different toppings, sauces, and sides to make it your own. Invite friends over for a casual gathering and serve these sandwiches alongside a variety of dips and beverages. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together over delicious flavors.
Indulge in the crispy, spicy goodness of this sandwich, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your home kitchen. Happy cooking!
Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by taking your chicken breasts and gently pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, place a generous amount of flour, and in a third bowl, pour the breadcrumbs. This triplet setup will help you create that crispy coating.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- In your skillet or deep fryer, heat about an inch of peanut oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect frying temperature.
- Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, mix together the mayo, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more sriracha if desired.
- Toast your buns lightly, then spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half. Place a fried chicken breast on top, followed by fresh lettuce and slices of tomato. Top it off with the other half of the bun.
- Slice the sandwich in half for easy handling, serve with your favorite side, and enjoy your homemade Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich!
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after frying before assembling for a juicier bite.
- Feel free to customize your spicy mayo with additional spices like cayenne or jalapeño for more heat.
- Make it a meal with fries or a side salad for a complete dining experience.
