The Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Roy Rogers features a juicy, crispy fried chicken breast coated in bold Texas Pete hot sauce, topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun, delivering a fiery and flavorful crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet or tray
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grill or toaster
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Serving plates
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/3 cup Texas Pete hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 hamburger buns
- 2 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a tender texture for the Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor absorption. The all-purpose flour combined with spices like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder creates a well-balanced crispy coating. Cooking with vegetable oil at the right temperature is crucial to achieve a golden, crunchy crust without greasiness. Your homemade Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Roy Rogers copycat menu will deliver the same fiery, flavorful crunch as the original.
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breasts by trimming and flattening them to even thickness on a cutting board using a knife.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
- Add chicken breasts to buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, add all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in flour on both sides.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts in hot oil using tongs, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter and stir in Texas Pete hot sauce.
- Using a sauce brush or spoon, coat fried chicken breasts generously with the hot sauce mixture.
- Slice tomato and rinse lettuce leaves; set aside.
- Toast hamburger buns on a grill or toaster until golden brown.
- Assemble each sandwich by placing a lettuce leaf and tomato slice on the bottom half of a bun, add the spicy fried chicken breast, then top with the other bun half.
- Serve on plates with a spatula, and enjoy immediately.
Substitution
The Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Roy Rogers copycat menu can be customized by substituting boneless chicken thighs for breasts to boost juiciness and flavor. If you don't have Texas Pete hot sauce on hand, you can mix hot sauce with a touch of melted butter to mimic the original spicy, tangy coating. Your deep fryer can be replaced with a heavy skillet for frying, maintaining the crispy texture by carefully monitoring oil temperature with a meat thermometer. For a healthier option, baking the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet at 400degF until golden can still deliver a satisfying crunch. Use a grill or toaster to lightly brown the buns, ensuring they stay soft yet provide a toasty base for your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure the vegetable oil is heated precisely to 350degF (175degC) before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden crust without sogginess. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption and juicy tenderness. After frying, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil, maintaining the sandwich's crisp texture and preventing greasiness. When coating the fried chicken with the Texas Pete hot sauce and butter mixture, use a brush or spoon to evenly distribute the sauce, enhancing the sandwich's bold flavor profile.
Nutritions
The Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich offers a protein-rich meal with roughly 400-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and cooking methods. The fried chicken breast supplies essential amino acids, while the hot sauce adds minimal calories but contributes capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. Fresh lettuce and tomato provide dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, enhancing the sandwich's nutritional profile. You can enjoy this flavorful sandwich as part of a balanced diet by pairing it with a side of vegetables or a light salad.
Storage
Store leftover Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep fried chicken coated in hot sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheating thoroughly to reach 165degF (74degC) before serving. Your toasted buns, lettuce, and tomatoes should be stored separately to prevent sogginess and preserve texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk in the marinade to add protein and a tangy flavor. Swap Texas Pete hot sauce with a smoky chipotle sauce to give the chicken a deep, smoky heat. Instead of deep frying, try oven-baking the chicken at 400degF (204degC) on a wire rack for a healthier option that still delivers a crispy texture. For an extra crunch, double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk mixture before coating with flour again.
Allergies
The Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens like wheat in the all-purpose flour used for breading and the hamburger buns, as well as dairy from the buttermilk and unsalted butter. Soy may also be present if the vegetable oil or hot sauce contains soy derivatives, which are common in processed sauces. You should carefully check ingredient labels if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or soy to ensure the sandwich is safe for your consumption.
Why this recipe?
Texas Pete Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Roy Rogers restaurant is favored for its perfect balance of heat and flavor, combining a crispy chicken filet with a tangy, bold Texas Pete hot sauce. The sandwich features fresh, high-quality ingredients that create a satisfying texture and taste experience. You can replicate this iconic flavor at home with a copycat recipe, allowing you to customize the spice level and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal anytime. Trying the copycat version is worth it for fans seeking to savor the renowned taste without needing to visit Roy Rogers.