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Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce

Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce 1

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When you’re craving a sandwich that packs both heat and comfort, the spicy chicken sandwich with creamy homemade sauce is the ultimate choice. With crispy chicken fillets coated in bold spices, tucked into a soft bun, and finished with a luscious sauce, this dish balances fiery heat and cooling creaminess in every bite. It’s a meal that satisfies the appetite and excites the taste buds at the same time.

What makes this sandwich so special is its homemade touch. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, fried until golden, and paired with a sauce that’s smooth and tangy with just the right kick. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking for something fun for the weekend, this recipe promises flavor and comfort in a handheld package.


What Kind of Chicken Works Best for This Sandwich?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. Chicken breasts deliver a leaner bite with a firm texture, while thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. Both cutlets can be butterflied or pounded thin to ensure even cooking and that crave-worthy crispiness.


Ingredients for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce

  • Chicken breasts or thighs – The base of the sandwich, providing protein and hearty texture.
  • Spices (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder) – These seasonings bring the heat and layers of savory flavor.
  • Buttermilk – Used for marinating the chicken, it tenderizes the meat and helps the breading stick.
  • Flour and cornstarch – Create a light, crispy coating that fries up beautifully golden.
  • Buns – Soft and pillowy, they hold the sandwich together while soaking up the sauce.
  • Creamy homemade sauce (mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice) – A cooling yet zesty spread that balances the spice.
  • Pickles and lettuce – Add crunch, tang, and freshness to each bite.
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How To Make the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken breasts or thighs in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Mix in paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor). This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, more paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This dry mixture will give the chicken its crispy, crunchy shell.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove each chicken piece from the marinade and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. For an extra-crispy finish, dip it back into the buttermilk and then coat once more in the flour mixture.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste. The sauce should be tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the buns lightly, then spread the creamy sauce generously on each half. Layer with fried chicken, lettuce, and pickles. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot and crispy.


Serving and Storing the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet when the chicken is hot and crispy. If you need to store leftovers, keep the fried chicken separate from the buns and toppings. Store chicken fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. The creamy sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.


What to Serve With the Spicy Chicken Sandwich?

Crispy French Fries

Golden, salty fries make the ultimate sidekick to a spicy chicken sandwich.

Coleslaw

A crunchy, creamy coleslaw adds coolness and texture balance.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a slightly sweeter option, roasted or fried sweet potato fries are perfect.

Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings add a different type of crunch that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or buttered corn brings a smoky sweetness to the meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

The creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese balances out the spice.

Pickle Spears

Extra pickles on the side amplify the tangy bite already inside the sandwich.

Side Salad

A light green salad offers a fresh counterpoint to the richness of fried chicken.


Want More Sandwich and Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting meals too:


Save This Pin For Later

Save this mouthwatering idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe you added jalapeños, swapped in brioche buns, or drizzled honey over the chicken? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite meal might be waiting there.


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Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce 1

Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 95
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches

Description

Ready to upgrade your weeknight dinner with a crispy, spicy, absolutely irresistible chicken sandwich? This Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Sauce delivers shatter‑crisp chicken, bold cayenne heat, and a cool, tangy sauce on a buttery brioche bun. It’s a fast, family‑friendly win for easy dinner, game day, or meal prep—just reheat in the oven or air fryer for crunch.


Ingredients

MARINADE

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded 1/2‑inch thick)

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

DREDGE

1 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

FRYING

3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

CREAMY HOMEMADE SAUCE

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons hot sauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

TO SERVE

4 brioche burger buns

8 dill pickle slices

4 lettuce leaves

1 small tomato (sliced, optional)


Instructions

1. Pound chicken to even thickness; whisk marinade; submerge chicken 1 hour or up to overnight.

2. Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices for the dredge in a shallow dish.

3. Heat 3 cups oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven; set a wire rack over a sheet pan.

4. Lift chicken from marinade; coat in dredge, press to adhere; double dredge if desired.

5. Fry 4–6 minutes per side until deep golden and 165°F internal; drain on rack.

6. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and honey; season to taste.

7. Toast brioche buns lightly.

8. Spread sauce on buns; add chicken, pickles, lettuce, and tomato if using.

9. Serve hot with extra sauce.

Notes

For extra heat, increase cayenne to 1 teaspoon and add hot sauce to the sauce.

Reheat chicken in a 400°F oven or 375°F air fryer until crisp; avoid microwaving.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 780
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 1550
  • Fat: 41
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 31
  • Trans Fat: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 58
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 43
  • Cholesterol: 115

Keywords: spicy chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, homemade sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meals, fried chicken sandwich, copycat

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