Spicy Chicken Sandwich
If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering spicy chicken sandwich that strikes the perfect balance between crispy, spicy, and surprisingly healthy, look no further! This sandwich is a game-changer, perfect for lunch or dinner when you crave something satisfying yet deliciously bold. With juicy chicken breast, a flavorful batter, and a zesty slaw, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s delve into the details of this incredible sandwich, including helpful tips and reasons why you’ll love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold Flavors: This spicy chicken sandwich is packed with flavor, from the crispy chicken to the zesty slaw, making it a satisfying meal any time of day.
Healthier Option: Using olive oil for frying and incorporating a fresh slaw makes this sandwich a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level by using hotter buffalo sauce or adding sliced jalapeños to the slaw for an extra kick!
Helpful Tips:
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let the Oil Heat Up: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that desired crispy texture. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating may become soggy.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding avocado slices, pickles, or even a slice of cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the slaw and the chicken batter ahead of time, making dinner prep a breeze!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation. Slicing them thin ensures they cook quickly and evenly, creating that perfect texture for a sandwich.
For the Dry Batter:
Onion Powder: This adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. It gives the batter a delightful aroma.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for any savory dish, garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of warmth.
Smoked Paprika: This spice brings a subtle smokiness and a vibrant color to the batter, elevating the taste and presentation of your sandwich.
Egg: Used as a binding agent, the egg helps the dry batter adhere perfectly to the chicken, resulting in a crispy crust when fried.
Olive Oil: Ideal for frying, olive oil is a healthier fat choice, offering a delicious flavor while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
For the Sauce:
Medium Buffalo Sauce: This zesty sauce adds the perfect kick to the sandwich, infusing it with that classic spicy flavor we all love.
Honey: A splash of honey balances the heat of the buffalo sauce, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adding garlic powder to the sauce brings an extra layer of flavor and complements the spice perfectly.
For the Slaw:
Purple Cabbage: Not only does it add vibrant color to your sandwich, but purple cabbage also provides a satisfying crunch and is loaded with nutrients.
Garlic: Fresh garlic in the slaw adds a pungent punch, enhancing the freshness of the dish.
Green Onion: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, making the slaw more appealing.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the slaw, providing acidity that balances the richness of the chicken.
Olive Oil: Used to dress the slaw, olive oil adds smoothness and helps bring all the ingredients together.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the slaw, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin, even pieces. This step is crucial as it allows for quicker cooking and ensures each piece is perfectly tender.
2. Make the Dry Batter: In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This blend will not only flavor the chicken but also create a beautiful crust.
3. Coat the Chicken: Take each thin slice of chicken and coat it in the dry batter. Next, dunk it into a beaten egg, allowing it to soak up some moisture, and then return it to the dry batter for a solid coating. This double-battering technique is key to achieving that crispy texture we all crave.
4. Fry to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered chicken. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. The result should be a beautifully golden and crunchy exterior with juicy chicken inside!
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine medium buffalo sauce, a splash of honey, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Heat over low heat until bubbly, stirring to combine. This sauce will add a spicy and sweet kick to your sandwich.
6. Make the Slaw: In a bowl, mix together shredded purple cabbage, minced garlic, chopped green onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss until everything is well coated. This slaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy chicken beautifully.
7. Assemble Your Sandwich: Toast your favorite burger buns until golden. Layer a piece of crispy chicken, drizzle with the spicy buffalo sauce, and top with a generous serving of slaw.
8. Enjoy: Serve your spicy chicken sandwich immediately, and prepare to be amazed at the explosion of flavors and textures!
