Spicy Chicken Sandwich Creamy Sauce (Printable Version)

Experience an ultra-crispy, spicy fried chicken creation, balanced by a creamy homemade sauce on a buttery brioche bun.

# Components:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

→ Dredge Coating

09 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
10 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Frying

17 - 3 cups vegetable oil for frying

→ Creamy Homemade Sauce

18 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
19 - 1/4 cup sour cream
20 - 2 teaspoons hot sauce
21 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
22 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
23 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
24 - 1 teaspoon honey, optional
25 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

26 - 4 brioche burger buns
27 - 8 dill pickle slices
28 - 4 lettuce leaves
29 - 1 small tomato, sliced

# Method Steps:

01 - Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
02 - Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cayenne, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
03 - Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet for draining cooked chicken.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Press each piece firmly into the dredge mixture, coating completely. For extra crunch, repeat the dredging process twice.
05 - Carefully place coated chicken in hot oil. Fry 4 to 6 minutes per side until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to wire rack to drain.
06 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and honey if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Lightly toast brioche buns until golden and warm.
08 - Spread sauce generously on both sides of each bun. Place fried chicken on bottom bun. Top with pickle slices, lettuce, and tomato if desired. Add top bun and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The shattering crisp on that first bite is absolute perfection
  • That creamy sauce balances the heat like a cool breeze on a hot day
  • Everything comes together in under two hours, mostly hands-off time
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and you will end up with soggy chicken
  • Double dredging is not optional if you want that restaurant-style crunch
  • Let the chicken rest on the wire rack for at least five minutes before assembling
03 -
  • Pound the chicken between plastic wrap so it does not tear
  • Keep a splatter screen nearby unless you enjoy cleaning grease spatters
  • Invest in a clip-on thermometer if you fry chicken regularly
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