The Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from Alamo Drafthouse features tender, crispy chicken tossed in bold buffalo sauce, topped with cooling ranch, crisp lettuce, and sliced pickles, all nestled in a soft toasted bun, delivering a fiery and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill (for buns)
- Spatula
- Plate or sandwich assembly tray
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 4 large sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
Ensure the chicken breasts are properly marinated in buttermilk to achieve tender and juicy meat. Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating when frying the chicken. Buffalo sauce should be combined with unsalted butter to balance heat and add richness. Fresh lettuce and sliced pickles provide crunchy texture and tang to complement the spicy buffalo flavor. Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from Alamo Drafthouse copycat menu will deliver a perfect blend of bold, fiery taste and refreshing coolness.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add chicken cutlets to buttermilk; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture; press to adhere coating.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Fry chicken cutlets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes.
- Drain fried chicken on clean wire rack.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat; stir in buffalo sauce.
- Brush fried chicken with buffalo sauce using basting brush.
- Toast sandwich buns on toaster or grill until lightly browned.
- Spread ranch dressing on bottom half of each bun.
- Layer shredded lettuce and sliced pickles on top of ranch.
- Place buffalo chicken on top of lettuce and pickles.
- Cap each sandwich with top bun.
- Plate sandwiches or set on assembly tray for serving.
Substitution
The Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from Alamo Drafthouse copycat menu can be easily adapted if you don't have buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. If you lack panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes provide a good alternative for a crispy coating. When deep frying is not an option, baking the chicken in a preheated oven at 425degF (220degC) on a wire rack results in a healthier, yet still crispy texture. Your buffalo sauce can be customized by adjusting the cayenne pepper or substituting with hot sauce varieties like Frank's RedHot to control the spice level. Use a grill or toaster to warm buns evenly, ensuring your sandwich remains warm and the bun slightly crisp without sogginess.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve crispy, evenly cooked chicken without excess greasiness. Press the flour mixture firmly onto each cutlet so the coating adheres well and creates a crunchy crust. After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess by allowing excess oil to drain properly. When assembling, spreading ranch dressing on the bun first helps balance the spicy buffalo sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of your sandwich.
Nutritions
The Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich provides a rich source of protein from tender chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and growth. The combination of buffalo sauce and spices adds a moderate amount of capsaicin, known to boost metabolism and enhance flavor without adding excessive calories. Ranch dressing and buttery buffalo sauce contribute fats, while the toasted bun offers carbohydrates for energy. Your meal also includes crisp lettuce and pickles, adding fiber and micronutrients for balanced nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken by placing the chicken and sandwich components separately in airtight containers to maintain texture and flavor. Keep the buffalo chicken refrigerated and consume within 3 days to ensure freshness and food safety. Your sandwich buns and toppings should be stored in the refrigerator, and reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer for best results before assembling.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the deep frying with baking for a healthier version by placing the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and baking at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Swap the buffalo sauce for a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce to add a different heat profile and depth of flavor. Consider replacing ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing, which pairs beautifully with the spicy buffalo chicken, enhancing the sandwich's creaminess. For a crunchy twist, add thinly sliced red onions or jalapenos along with the pickles and lettuce.
Allergies
The Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, sandwich buns), dairy (buttermilk, unsalted butter, ranch dressing), and eggs (often present in ranch dressing). If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, consuming this sandwich could trigger an allergic reaction. Always check ingredient labels carefully and inform your server about any food allergies when dining out.
Why this recipe?
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Alamo Drafthouse restaurant captivates customers with its bold, fiery flavor profile and perfectly crispy chicken, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. The sandwich blends tangy buffalo sauce with creamy, cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing, creating a harmonious balance that excites the taste buds. You will appreciate its authentic taste and eye-catching presentation, making it a rewarding dish to replicate at home for game nights or casual gatherings. Crafting this copycat recipe allows you to bring the iconic flavors of Alamo Drafthouse to your kitchen, impressing friends and family with a restaurant-quality meal.