Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Imagine biting into a juicy, crispy chicken sandwich that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness and a kick of heat. These Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them a guaranteed hit for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply indulging in a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

The crispy fried chicken, coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, nestled within a soft brioche bun creates a sandwich that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-try and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

These sandwiches are more than just a meal; they are an experience. The combination of crispy chicken, rich sauces, and buttery brioche buns creates a symphony of flavors. The sweet chili sauce adds an unexpected twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or picnics, these sandwiches are customizable to suit a variety of tastes, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you start cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for these Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Here’s your shopping list:

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut in half horizontally
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne powder, and salt (for frying)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (for mayo)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (for mayo)
• 4-6 brioche buns

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you get your hands messy, make sure you have the right tools. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowls for marinating and breading
• Frying pan or deep fryer for cooking the chicken
• Meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked
• Cooking utensils like tongs and a whisk
• Serving platter to showcase your delicious sandwiches!

Cook Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches Like This

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for your perfect Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne powder, and salt. This will create a crispy coating for the chicken.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken partially for even cooking. Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches about 350°F.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Sticky Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sweet chili sauce and sriracha until combined and warm. Toss the fried chicken pieces in this sticky sauce until well-coated.

Step 7: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat according to your preference.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast the brioche buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on both the top and bottom of the bun. Place a piece of the sticky fried chicken on the bottom half, and top with your favorite toppings—think crisp lettuce, pickles, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. Finish with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Seasonal Twists

One of the best things about the Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches is how adaptable they are. Here are a few seasonal twists to elevate your sandwiches:

• Summer: Add fresh avocado slices and a pineapple ring for a tropical flair.
• Fall: Incorporate roasted pumpkin or butternut squash slices for a warm, autumnal touch.
• Winter: Top with a warm, spiced apple slaw for a cozy crunch.
• Spring: Layer with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing finish.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

When making these Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination step can result in less flavorful chicken.
• Not heating the oil properly can lead to soggy chicken instead of crispy perfection.
• Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, affecting the fry quality. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Forgetting to drain the fried chicken on paper towels can leave you with greasy sandwiches.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These sandwiches are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how you can make them ahead of time:

• Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator.
• Fry the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
• Prepare the spicy mayo and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.

Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even tenders for a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with these sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with a side of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping!

How spicy are these sandwiches?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. By controlling the amount of sriracha and cayenne used, you can make them as mild or hot as you like.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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In Closing

These Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create something truly special that will have your friends and family raving. Don’t forget to customize them to your liking, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy cooking!

Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwiches

This Sticky Sweet Chili Fried Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed delight, featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 2 pieces chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut in half horizontally
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 piece egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (for mayo)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (for mayo)

For the Sandwiches:

• 4-6 pieces brioche buns

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Meat Thermometer
• Cooking utensils
• Serving platter

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
2. In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne powder, and salt. This will create a crispy coating for the chicken.
3. In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken partially for even cooking. Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches about 350°F.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sweet chili sauce and sriracha until combined and warm. Toss the fried chicken pieces in this sticky sauce until well-coated.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat according to your preference.
8. Toast the brioche buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on both the top and bottom of the bun. Place a piece of the sticky fried chicken on the bottom half, and top with your favorite toppings—think crisp lettuce, pickles, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. Finish with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
• Ensure the oil is heated properly for crispy fried chicken.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.