Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a Kick Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Spicy Homemade Recipe

Crafting the ultimate crunchy buffalo chicken sandwich can turn an ordinary meal into a flavor explosion.

Crispy breaded chicken meets zesty buffalo sauce for an unforgettable combination.

Spice lovers will appreciate the perfect balance of heat and crunch.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a fiery sauce that dances on your taste buds.

A simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Tangy blue cheese or creamy ranch dressing completes this mouthwatering creation.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible sandwich that promises to satisfy your wildest comfort food cravings.

Why Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick Brings The Heat

  • Conquer Spicy Cravings: This buffalo chicken sandwich delivers a fiery punch that satisfies intense flavor seekers with its bold buffalo sauce and perfectly seasoned crispy chicken.
  • Master Impressive Cooking: Home cooks can easily create a restaurant-quality sandwich by following simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that looks professionally prepared.
  • Customize for Everyone: Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper amount, making this recipe adaptable for different heat tolerances while keeping the delicious core flavor intact.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or spontaneous family meals where everyone craves something deliciously crispy and packed with zesty flavor.

What You Need For Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick

Meat:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main component of this spicy sandwich.
Breading and Seasoning:
  • Flour: Provides a crispy, golden coating for the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Create a flavorful and zesty seasoning blend for the chicken.
Wet Ingredients and Toppings:
  • Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Adds a spicy and tangy kick to the crispy chicken.
  • Ranch Dressing: Provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich and sharp flavor to the sandwich.
  • Lettuce, Tomato: Fresh ingredients that provide crunch and brightness.
  • Bun: Serves as the foundation for the sandwich, holding all the delicious ingredients together.

How To Build A Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick

Step 1: Soak Chicken in Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken breasts completely in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate and tenderize. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Create Crispy Seasoning Blend

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper

Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended, creating a zesty coating mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Sizzling Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Ensure the oil is hot enough for perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Step 4: Coat Chicken in Spicy Flour Mixture

Remove chicken from buttermilk and generously dredge each piece in the seasoned flour.

Press firmly to create a thick, even coating that will turn beautifully crisp when fried.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Carefully place coated chicken into hot oil.

Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the exterior becomes a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Drench in Fiery Buffalo Sauce

Transfer fried chicken to a bowl and generously coat with buffalo sauce, ensuring every inch is covered in spicy, tangy goodness.

Step 7: Build the Ultimate Sandwich

Assemble the sandwich on a fresh bun with these layers:
  • Crisp lettuce leaf
  • Juicy tomato slice
  • Saucy buffalo chicken
  • Melty cheddar cheese
  • Creamy ranch dressing

Top with the second half of the bun.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Plate the sandwich immediately while still hot and crispy.

Grab napkins and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Handy Tips For Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance for perfect heat level.
  • Let fried chicken rest on wire rack to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or blue cheese for unique sandwich variations.

Tasty Swaps For Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick

  • Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich: Replace buffalo sauce with tzatziki and add feta cheese, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Honey Sriracha Chicken Sandwich: Swap buffalo sauce with a mixture of honey and sriracha, then top with pickled red onions and sliced avocado for extra flavor.
  • Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Coat fried chicken in gochujang sauce, add kimchi slaw, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a Korean street food feel.
  • Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich: Marinate chicken in jerk seasoning, fry as original recipe, then top with grilled pineapple salsa and crisp coleslaw for tropical notes.

What To Pair With Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick

  • Pair Zesty Blue Cheese Dip: Create a tangy blue cheese dressing to complement the spicy buffalo chicken, enhancing the sandwich's bold flavors and cooling down the heat.
  • Cool Craft Beer Match: Select a crisp, hoppy IPA or wheat beer that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and balances the buffalo sauce's spiciness.
  • Crisp Pickle Slaw Side: Prepare a quick cabbage and pickle slaw with a light vinegar dressing to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast to the heavy, spicy sandwich.
  • Fresh Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh lemon, lime, and orange juices with sparkling water and a touch of honey to create a refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites.

How To Store Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sandwich components separate to maintain crispiness.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
  • Quick Refresh: Toast the bun lightly, then assemble fresh sandwich components with the reheated chicken to ensure maximum flavor and texture.

Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With A Kick Q&A

  • How spicy is this buffalo chicken sandwich?

The cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce add a medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.

  • Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken tenders work perfectly and cook slightly faster. Just follow the same marinating and coating process.

  • What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  • Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will improve the taste and texture.

Print
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Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a Kick Recipe

Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a Kick Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich magic that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right to home kitchens. Zesty seasoned chicken, creamy ranch, and crisp pickles create a perfect handheld meal guaranteed to satisfy hearty appetites.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices tomato

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Liquids and Extras:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Oil for frying
  • 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Submerge chicken breasts in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for a minimum of 60 minutes or ideally overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly combining flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Prepare a skillet with vegetable oil, heating to 350°F over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is ready for frying.
  4. Carefully remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then generously coat each piece in the spiced flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a complete and even crust.
  5. Carefully lower the breaded chicken into hot oil, frying for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until the exterior turns a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack, then immediately toss in zesty buffalo sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. Construct the sandwich by layering a crisp lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a fresh tomato slice, the saucy buffalo chicken, a melty cheddar cheese slice, and a generous drizzle of cool ranch dressing.
  8. Crown the sandwich with the top bun, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while the chicken remains crisp and hot.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level, making it milder or more intense based on personal preference.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture.
  • For lighter option, bake chicken instead of frying to reduce oil content while maintaining crunchiness.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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