If you’re craving something with a bold kick, irresistible crunch, and layers of flavor that hug every bite, you have to try this Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe. It’s a fantastic twist on the classic fried chicken sandwich, combining juicy, tender chicken soaked in a spicy buttermilk marinade with a perfectly crispy, flaky crust. The spicy mayo brings just the right amount of creamy heat, bringing all the elements together into what might just become your new go-to comfort meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick white liquid base, topped with five different spices and an egg yolk on the surface. The spices are arranged in small piles of bright orange, pale yellow, and light brown, with the egg yolk bright orange-yellow near the center-right. A shiny metal whisk with a looped handle rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the mixture. To the top right, a white plate holds two raw, pale pink chicken filets. Below on the right side, a squeezed bottle of bright red sauce lies on a white marbled surface that fills the whole background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward sandwich bliss, and luckily, each item here plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the fragrant spices that add layers of heat, these simple pantry staples will bring your Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe to life.

Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizing and flavor-infusing marinade base.
Egg: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken and aids in dredging.
Hot sauce or sriracha: Adds that punch of heat in both marinade and mayo for consistent spice.
Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt: Essential for deep, well-rounded seasoning.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Create a thin, crispy crust that flakes delightfully with every bite.
Baking powder: Gives the breading extra lift and crunch.
Canola oil: The neutral oil choice perfect for frying crisp, juicy chicken at the right temp.
Brioche buns: Soft and buttery, perfect for holding all that deliciousness together.
Butter: Used to toast the buns for added texture and richness.
Fresh toppings (lettuce, pickles, onion, tomato): Adds freshness, crunch, and acidity that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pound Your Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally if they’re thick, then gently pound each piece to a consistent ½-inch thickness. This step is super important—it helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy inside while getting beautifully crispy outside. Plus, it makes for sandwiches that don’t spill over with uneven chunks.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Whisk together buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and your blend of spices until perfectly combined. Dunk your chicken pieces into this spicy bath, making sure every inch gets coated. Then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or, if you can plan ahead, overnight. This marinade tenderizes while infusing all that fiery goodness into your chicken.

Step 3: Dredge with Love and Pressure

Mix your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and remaining spices for that famous crispy coating. One by one, lift each piece from the marinade and press it firmly into the flour mixture. Don’t be shy—pressing gently but firmly helps create those signature flaky bits that will crunch with every bite, putting this sandwich well above the ordinary.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your canola oil in a deep skillet or pot until it reaches a steady 350°F (around 175°C). Carefully place your breaded chicken into the hot oil and fry about 4 minutes per side. Keep an eye out for a golden brown crust and use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits a safe 165°F. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

Butter the insides of your brioche buns and toast them in a hot pan until golden and crispy—this extra touch adds texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy. Spread a generous tablespoon of spicy mayo on the top bun, pile on the crispy chicken fillets, and layer on your favorite fresh toppings like lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomatoes. Stack it all up, take a big bite, and enjoy the magic of your homemade Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe!

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe

A crispy fried chicken sandwich is served on a white round plate with ridged edges, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has five visible layers: the top golden-brown soft bun with a wooden skewer through it, a thin layer of white mayonnaise spread on the bun bottom, bright green lettuce leaves, thick crispy golden fried chicken, two red tomato slices, thin white onion strips, and green pickle slices beneath the spread. In the background, another similar sandwich is slightly blurred with two glasses of light amber drink nearby. A striped black and white cloth is partly visible on the marble surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness is key to balance the crispy, spicy chicken, so crisp lettuce leaves and tangy pickles shine bright here. Add thinly sliced red onions for an oniony bite or juicy tomato slices for a burst of sweetness and color. Each garnish complements and contrasts the rich crunch perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this sandwich with classic sides like crispy fries or crunchy coleslaw for a perfect Southern-inspired meal. If you want a lighter touch, a refreshing cucumber salad or sweet potato wedges add variety while keeping the meal exciting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sandwich open-faced to showcase the gorgeous crispy chicken and vibrant toppings. You can also slice the sandwich diagonally for sharing or stack a mini slider version for parties. Wrapping it in parchment paper brings a nostalgic deli vibe and makes it portable for picnics or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the fried chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the chicken crispy and prevents the buns from becoming soggy. Consume within 2 days for the best quality and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze the buns separately if needed. This allows you to fry fresh chicken anytime you want your fix of the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe goodness without starting from scratch.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover fried chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crunchy exterior and warm interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep it crispy. Toast your buns again briefly before assembling for that fresh-eating experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer juicier meat and a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs tend to be thicker and take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. This DIY version mimics buttermilk’s acidity, tenderizing the chicken perfectly.

How spicy is this sandwich? Can I make it less spicy?

This recipe has a good level of heat, but you can easily adjust by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in both the marinade and spicy mayo. Feel free to tame or turn up the spice to your personal preference.

What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils won’t overpower the flavors and handle high heat for achieving that golden crust without burning.

Is this sandwich suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Preparing the chicken ahead of time and assembling the sandwich just before eating keeps everything fresh. Keep components separate if possible and combine when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Fried Chicken and Spicy Mayo Recipe that you’ve made yourself. It’s crunchy, juicy, fiery, and utterly addictive, and once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a kitchen favorite. So invite friends or family over, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every saucy, crispy morsel of this unforgettable sandwich experience!