The Spicy Chicken Sandwich from KFC features a juicy, tender fried chicken breast seasoned with bold, fiery spices, nestled between a soft, toasted bun with crisp lettuce and creamy mayo, delivering a perfect harmony of heat, crunch, and freshness.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet/rack
- Meat thermometer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Sauce spreader or spoon
- Toaster or grill pan
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce (shredded)
Your choice of hot sauce plays a crucial role in achieving the signature heat of the Spicy Chicken Sandwich from KFC. Using fresh buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy after frying. Be sure to evenly coat the chicken in the seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture for a crispy, flavorful crust. Using a meat thermometer guarantees the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165degF without drying out. This Spicy Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe captures the perfect balance of spicy, crunchy, and creamy flavors found in the KFC original.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
- Add chicken to buttermilk mixture; marinate for 1 hour (refrigerated).
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade; dredge in flour mixture, pressing to coat.
- Place coated chicken on baking rack; let rest 10 minutes.
- Preheat deep fryer and heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, 2 tsp hot sauce, and lemon juice for spicy mayo.
- Toast buns on a toaster or grill pan; spread butter on inside.
- Spread spicy mayo on both bun halves.
- Place fried chicken breast on bottom bun.
- Top with shredded lettuce.
- Cover with top bun and serve.
Substitution
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich from KFC copycat menu captures the signature fiery flavor and crispy texture using a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in its seasoned flour coating. You can substitute boneless, skinless thighs for breasts to keep the chicken tender and juicy with less drying risk. When deep frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF for even cooking and crispiness but avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent temperature drops. If buttermilk is unavailable, combine regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a suitable tangy marinade. For a lighter option, consider baking the breaded chicken on a rack at 425degF until golden and cooked through, using the meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165degF.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking and juiciness. Maintain oil temperature precisely at 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without greasiness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF to guarantee safe consumption. When assembling, spread the spicy mayo generously to balance the heat and enhance flavor.
Nutritions
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich from KFC provides a rich source of protein from the fried chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The combined use of buttermilk marinade and bold spices like cayenne and paprika adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. The sandwich contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from frying in vegetable oil and creamy mayo, which contributes to energy density but should be balanced with your overall diet. Including crisp iceberg lettuce offers dietary fiber and vitamins, promoting digestive health amid the indulgent flavors.
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Chicken Sandwich components separately to maintain texture and freshness; refrigerate the fried chicken, buns, and spicy mayo in airtight containers. Keep the chicken in a shallow container to avoid sogginess and consume within 3 days for best flavor and safety. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore the chicken's crispy coating, ensuring an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) is reached.
Variation or Alternatives
You can switch the boneless chicken breasts with thigh fillets for juicier meat and richer flavor. Substituting buttermilk with plain yogurt in the marinade adds tenderness while introducing a creamy tang. Instead of deep-frying, try oven-baking the chicken at 425degF (220degC) on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes to reduce oil content and achieve a crispy texture. For a different spicy kick, experiment by mixing chipotle powder or smoked paprika into the flour coating.
Allergies
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour in the breading and hamburger buns, and eggs or soy may be present in the mayonnaise. The sandwich also includes dairy in the buttermilk used to marinate the chicken and butter spread on the buns. If you have allergies to gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy, be cautious when enjoying this sandwich or consult with the restaurant for possible ingredient alternatives.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich from KFC is adored for its perfectly balanced blend of bold spices and crispy, juicy chicken that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Its unique seasoning recipe combines a proprietary mix of herbs and spices, creating a flavor profile that is distinctly flavorful without overwhelming the palate. Making the copycat version allows You to recreate this crave-worthy taste at home, ensuring freshness and customization according to your spice preference. This sandwich's popularity highlights its status as a beloved comfort food, making the effort to replicate it a rewarding culinary adventure.