Description
This Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts seasoned with a smoky and spicy breadcrumb coating, paired with a flavorful sriracha-garlic mayo sauce, fresh lettuce, and tomato, all sandwiched between soft buns for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
- Breadcrumbs (Italian flavored), quantity as needed
- Peanut oil, for frying (about 1/4 inch depth in pan)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, and salt & pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it in half lengthwise to create four thin pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls – one with beaten eggs, one with flour, and one with Italian flavored breadcrumbs. Start with smaller amounts of flour and breadcrumbs and replenish as needed.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough peanut oil into a heavy skillet to cover about 1/4-inch depth. Heat over medium-high until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
- Dredge and Fry the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Carefully place each piece in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel lined plate to drain off excess oil and keep crispiness.
- Toast the Buns (Optional): Using the same skillet, place the buns cut-side down and toast for a couple of minutes until lightly browned and warm.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread prepared spicy mayo on buns, then layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and the crispy fried chicken pieces. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a better crispy coating.
- Use peanut oil for frying as it has a high smoke point and adds a nice flavor.
- Italian flavored breadcrumbs provide extra seasoning, but plain breadcrumbs can be used with added herbs and spices.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness of the mayo.
- To keep the chicken crispy, serve sandwiches immediately after assembling.
- For a lighter version, bake the chicken using the same breading at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
