There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy fried chicken sandwich that’s bursting with flavor.
These Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwiches combine tender, juicy chicken with a crave-worthy crunchy crust, a touch of jalapeño honey heat, and creamy mayo on a soft bun.
They’re bold, comforting, and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Extra crispy chicken – Double dredge gives the ultimate crunch.
Flavor-packed – Cajun spices + jalapeño honey bring serious flavor.
Customizable heat – Adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Great for gatherings – Crowd-pleasing sandwich with restaurant-quality results.
Easy steps – No special tools needed, just marinate, dredge, fry, and assemble.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless, skinless, and about ½-inch thick for even cooking.
Buttermilk & egg – The base of a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken.
Cajun seasoning – Bold spices that give the chicken its signature flavor.
Flour, cornstarch, and baking powder – This combo ensures a super crisp, golden crust.
Oil for frying – Vegetable or peanut oil works best for high-heat frying.
Buns – Use soft sandwich buns, lightly toasted if desired.
Jalapeño honey & mayo – The perfect sweet-spicy-creamy combo to finish each sandwich.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Marinate for at least 1 hour – Overnight gives even better flavor.
Let chicken rest after dredging – This helps the coating adhere.
Use a thermometer – Keep oil at 350°F for even cooking.
Fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
Assemble just before serving – Keeps buns from getting soggy.
How to Make Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
Add the chicken and ensure it’s fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
In a shallow dish, mix flour, more Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder.
Take each piece of chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and dredge thoroughly.
Set on a wire rack while you repeat with remaining chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (180°C).
Fry chicken in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Let rest on a wire rack. Optionally, keep warm in a 300°F oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread mayonnaise on bottom buns.
Place crispy chicken on top, drizzle with jalapeño honey, and close with top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
What to Serve It With
French fries or potato wedges
Pickles or coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Side salad with ranch
Variations / Substitutions
Use spicy mayo instead of plain.
Swap Cajun for taco or buffalo seasoning.
Add sliced pickles for crunch.
Use gluten-free flour for a GF version.
Make sliders using smaller buns.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Use a 350°F oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp.
Do not assemble in advance – Keep chicken and buns separate until ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Use 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is the jalapeño honey too spicy?
It adds mild heat. For less spice, use regular honey.
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes! Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
What’s the best bun for this sandwich?
Brioche or potato buns are soft and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.
Can I double dredge for extra crunch?
Absolutely. After the first dredge, dip in marinade again and dredge a second time.
Do I need to use buttermilk?
It helps tenderize the chicken and enhances flavor, but you can sub with milk + vinegar.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes – they’re juicier and work great in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
These spicy fried chicken sandwiches are everything I crave in comfort food—crispy, juicy, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet from the jalapeño honey.
Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
They’re perfect for game day, backyard parties, or any time you want something bold and satisfying.
Make a double batch—you’ll thank me later.
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the crispy fried chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless, trimmed, about ½ inch thick
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for dredging
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 cups vegetable or peanut oil for frying
For the sandwiches:
- 4 buns optionally, lightly toasted
- 6 tablespoons jalapeño honey
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Dredge: In another bowl, combine flour, Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Dredge each piece of marinated chicken and place on a rack.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
- Let rest on a wire rack.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/spicy-fried-chicken-sandwiches/
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade jalapeño honey—just infuse honey with sliced jalapeños over low heat and let cool.
- For extra spice, add hot sauce to the mayo or an extra pinch of cayenne to the dredging mix.
- Toasting the buns enhances texture and flavor—brush lightly with butter before toasting for a golden edge.
