DINNER

Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken: 7 Irresistible Recipes

by basmer

4 de November de 2025

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Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen, offering an explosion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This delicious spicy chicken sandwich features perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken paired with a unique, tangy homemade sauce. With each bite, you experience rich textures and a level of satisfaction that can turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary journey. If you’re looking for a meal that brings excitement to your dinner table, look no further!

Why You’ll Love This Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken

This irresistible spicy chicken sandwich is a game-changer. Here’s why:

Perfectly seasoned for a flavorful spicy chicken dish.
Easy to prepare at home, making it an ideal spicy chicken for dinner.
Can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Great for meal prepping and quick lunches.
It’s a spicy chicken recipe that impresses guests.
Offers a delightful crunch with every bite.
Provides a unique twist on the classic chicken sandwich.

Ingredients for Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken

Gather these items:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6-8 oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup hot sauce (cayenne pepper-based)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pickle juice (from dill pickles)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., habanero-based)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for sauce)
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (for sauce)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for breading)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for breading)
1 teaspoon onion powder (for breading)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for breading)
1 teaspoon salt (for breading)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for breading)
2 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk
6-8 cups vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil (for frying)
4 brioche buns, potato rolls, or sturdy sandwich buns, lightly toasted
Sliced dill pickles (for topping)
Lettuce leaves (crisp varieties like romaine or iceberg)
Tomato slices (optional)
Red onion slices (optional, thinly sliced)

How to Make Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine buttermilk, 1/4 cup hot sauce, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Whisk well. Add chicken, ensuring it’s submerged. Refrigerate for 4-12 hours (ideally overnight).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp pickle juice, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp optional cayenne pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tbsp water or milk. Set up an assembly line: chicken (from marinade), egg wash, seasoned flour.
Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip. First, dredge chicken in seasoned flour, pressing to coat. Shake off excess. Dip in egg wash. Return to seasoned flour for a second dredge, pressing firmly. Shake off excess. Place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 5: Heat 6-8 cups oil in a large pot to 350-365°F (175-185°C). Carefully lower 1-2 chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove to a clean wire rack over paper towels to drain. Season with salt. Repeat for remaining chicken, ensuring oil returns to temperature between batches.
Step 6: Lightly toast sandwich buns. Arrange lettuce, sliced dill pickles, and optional tomato/red onion slices.
Step 7: Generously spread creamy homemade sauce on both bun halves. Layer lettuce on the bottom bun. Place fried chicken on lettuce. Pile on sliced dill pickles. Add optional tomato/red onion. Top with the other bun half. Gently press. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor.
Adjust hot sauce based on your spice preference.
Ensure oil temperature is maintained for crispy chicken.
Customize toppings as desired.
For a spicy chicken with a kick, consider adding jalapeños or a spicy slaw.

Best Ways to Serve Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken

Here are a few suggestions:

Serve on toasted brioche buns with the creamy sauce.
Pair with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Transform leftovers into a spicy chicken appetizer by shredding and serving in tacos.

How to Store and Reheat Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken

To store, place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, you can use an oven or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy. This is an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious spicy chicken dish throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken?

The secret lies in the marination process. Allowing the chicken to soak in buttermilk and spices overnight ensures the meat remains tender and flavorful. This method enhances the overall experience of your craveable spicy chicken.

Can I make Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just follow the cooking instructions on the day you plan to serve this easy spicy chicken dish at home.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking. Also, maintaining the oil temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. These spicy chicken cooking tips will help you master this dish!

Variations of Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:

Add a mango salsa on top for a sweet twist.
Try different marinades like a honey sriracha mix for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of buns or even wrap the chicken in lettuce for a low-carb option.

Crave Worthy Spicy Chicken: 7 Irresistible Recipes

Author: basmer
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A crave-worthy spicy chicken sandwich featuring perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken and a unique, tangy, and rich homemade sauce. This recipe promises an explosion of flavor and texture, transforming ordinary meals into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Instructions

Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine buttermilk, 1/4 cup hot sauce, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Whisk well. Add chicken, ensuring it’s submerged. Refrigerate for 4-12 hours (ideally overnight).
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp pickle juice, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp optional cayenne pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tbsp water or milk. Set up an assembly line: chicken (from marinade), egg wash, seasoned flour.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip. First, dredge chicken in seasoned flour, pressing to coat. Shake off excess. Dip in egg wash. Return to seasoned flour for a second dredge, pressing firmly. Shake off excess. Place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Heat 6-8 cups oil in a large pot to 350-365°F (175-185°C). Carefully lower 1-2 chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove to a clean wire rack over paper towels to drain. Season with salt. Repeat for remaining chicken, ensuring oil returns to temperature between batches.
Lightly toast sandwich buns. Arrange lettuce, sliced dill pickles, and optional tomato/red onion slices.
Generously spread creamy homemade sauce on both bun halves. Layer lettuce on the bottom bun. Place fried chicken on lettuce. Pile on sliced dill pickles. Add optional tomato/red onion. Top with the other bun half. Gently press. Serve immediately.