Zesty Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and zesty kick of this Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich inspired by your favorite fast-food classic. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of pickle juice, hot sauce, and spices, then coated in a crispy, flavorful breading that packs a punch. Served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a slice of creamy Monterey Jack pepper cheese, this sandwich is perfect for lunch or as a hearty snack. Customize the heat level to your taste, and enjoy every bite of this satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
pickle juice
1/2 cup (measured from a 16 oz jar)
whole milk
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed from one lemon)
hot sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
skinless chicken thighs
4 (about 2 1/2 lbs, boneless)
peanut oil
6 cups (for frying)
large egg
1 (beaten)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (none)
powdered sugar
1/4 cup (none)
baking powder
2 tablespoons (none)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon (none)
paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
hamburger buns
4 (split and toasted)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
green leaf lettuce
1 head (shredded)
tomato
1 (thinly sliced)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
4 slices (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pickle juice, whole milk, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
2
While the chicken marinates, heat the peanut oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
3
In another medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix well.
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Whisk the egg into the reserved marinade until well combined.
5
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides. For extra crunch, repeat the dipping and dredging process for each piece of chicken.
6
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken in the pot. Fry the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7
While the chicken drains, brush the toasted hamburger buns with melted butter. Assemble the sandwiches by placing pickle slices, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and a piece of warm chicken on each bun. Top with a slice of Monterey Jack pepper cheese and cover with the top bun.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich?
The Zesty Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich is a homemade dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a tangy blend of pickle juice and spices, coated in a crispy breading, and served with lettuce, tomatoes, and Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
How do I marinate the chicken for this recipe?
Whisk together pickle juice, whole milk, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl, then add the chicken thighs and ensure they are evenly coated.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
What type of chicken is best for this sandwich?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which total about 2 1/2 lbs.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying the chicken?
The peanut oil should be heated until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe recommends using 6 cups of peanut oil for frying.
What ingredients are in the dry breading mix?
The dry coating consists of all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
How do I make the chicken extra crunchy?
For extra crunch, repeat the dipping and dredging process for each piece of chicken before frying.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The internal temperature of the fried chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
Fry the chicken for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and cooked through.
How is the egg wash created for the breading process?
The egg wash is made by whisking one large beaten egg into the reserved marinade.
What tangy ingredient provides the signature flavor?
A half-cup of pickle juice, measured from a 16 oz jar, is used to provide the signature tangy flavor.
What are the Deluxe toppings for this sandwich?
The Deluxe toppings include pickle slices, shredded green leaf lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes, and Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
How should the hamburger buns be prepared?
The hamburger buns should be split, toasted, and then brushed with melted butter.
What type of cheese is used in this sandwich?
The sandwich uses four slices of Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
Is there sugar in the breading recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of powdered sugar in the flour mixture.
How should I drain the chicken after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Which spices provide the spicy kick in this recipe?
The spice comes from the hot sauce in the marinade and the cayenne pepper in the breading mixture.
What role does baking powder play in the breading?
Baking powder is included in the dry mix to help create a crispy and light texture in the fried coating.
How much lemon juice is needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, which is typically one lemon.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 4 chicken thighs and 4 hamburger buns, making 4 servings.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one head of shredded green leaf lettuce.
In what order should the sandwich be assembled?
Place pickle slices, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and warm chicken on the bottom bun, top with cheese, and then the top bun.
Does the recipe use whole milk?
Yes, 1/2 cup of whole milk is included in the marinade.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the sandwich?
One tomato should be thinly sliced for assembly.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is whisking the marinade ingredients together and letting the chicken marinate for 20 minutes.
How much flour is used for the dredging?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I adjust the heat level of this sandwich?
Yes, the description notes that you can customize the heat level to your taste.
Is butter used in the assembly process?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter are used to brush the toasted buns.
What kind of salt is used in the flour mixture?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.