When it comes to comfort food with a kick, nothing beats a spicy chicken sandwich. This beloved dish has gained a cult following for its perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and fiery flavor. If you're a heat lover, you're in for a treat. In this showdown, we'll explore some of the best recipes for spicy chicken sandwiches that will set your taste buds ablaze and leave you craving more.
The Classic Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Let's start with a classic recipe that embodies everything we love about spicy chicken sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot sauce (divided)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Pickles, lettuce, and tomato for topping
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1/2 cup of hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Mix the mayonnaise with the remaining 1/2 cup of hot sauce. Spread this spicy mayo on both halves of the brioche buns. Add the fried chicken, and top with pickles, lettuce, and tomato. Serve immediately.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
For those who crave even more heat, the Nashville hot chicken sandwich is a must-try. This Tennessee staple brings the heat with its spicy, oil-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickles for topping
Nashville Hot Sauce:
- 1/2 cup frying oil (from the chicken)
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Breading: Mix the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, then fry until crispy and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Reserve 1/2 cup of the frying oil for the hot sauce.
- Make the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the reserved frying oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the fried chicken.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the hot chicken on the hamburger buns and top with pickles. Serve immediately.
Korean-Inspired Spicy Chicken Sandwich
For an international twist, the Korean-inspired spicy chicken sandwich packs a punch with its unique blend of flavors and heat.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 potato rolls
- Kimchi, sliced cucumbers, and spicy mayo for topping
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix the buttermilk and gochujang in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Breading: Combine the flour, gochugaru, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread spicy mayo on both halves of the potato rolls. Add the fried chicken, and top with kimchi and sliced cucumbers. Serve immediately.
If these spicy chicken sandwich recipes have you craving something fiery and delicious, why not try La Rosa Chicken & Grill's own take on the spicy chicken sandwich? Whether you're dining in or grabbing a meal on the go, La Rosa Chicken & Grill offers mouth-watering options that will satisfy your cravings for heat and flavor. Visit La Rosa Chicken & Grill to explore our menu and find your nearest location. Enjoy the perfect blend of spice and satisfaction with La Rosa!
