Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a flavor bomb! It is made with thin slices of chicken breast marinated with spices like paprika, pepper, cumin powder, and yogurt.
You will also like Pork Rolls, 3 Sandwich Spreads, Gigi Hadid Pasta and Clam and Bean Soup.
You will not need another sandwich recipe once you try this recipe, create the perfect succulent chicken that is sandwiched between crispy ciabatta buns, along with crispy pickled onions. Get ready to ignite your tastebuds!
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⭐Why You'll Love This Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps for marinating chicken make this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced cooks, ensuring a delicious meal in a relatively short time.
- Freshness of Vegetables: The addition of lettuce and tomato brings a refreshing and crisp texture to the sandwich.
- Bold and Spicy Flavor: The marinated chicken, seasoned with yogurt, salt, cumin powder, pepper, and paprika, provides a spicy kick to the sandwich.
- Tangy and Crunchy Pickled Onions: The pickled red onions contribute a tangy and crunchy element to the sandwich, balancing the spice with their acidity and providing a burst of flavor.
- Textural Variety: This sandwich provides a satisfying mix of textures. The crispy and toasted ciabatta rolls, juicy and charred chicken, crunchy pickled onions, and fresh lettuce and tomato all contribute to a delightful textural experience.
- Toasted Ciabatta Rolls: Toasting the ciabatta rolls not only adds a nice crunch but also brings out the nutty flavors of the bread.
- Satisfying and Filling: The combination of protein from the spiced chicken, the crunch from the vegetables, and the hearty ciabatta rolls makes this sandwich a filling and satisfying meal option.
- Impressive Presentation: The layers of colorful ingredients, from the vibrant pickled onions to the green lettuce and red tomato, make this sandwich visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for a well-presented meal.
If you want more main dishes you should check out Chicken Recipe Sun Dried Tomatoes and Chicharrones.
🧾Ingredients
Here is a list of everything you need.
For Spicy Chicken:
- Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slightly tangy taste. Helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Buttermilk, sour cream, or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for yogurt.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
- Cumin Powder: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly citrusy flavor to the chicken.
- Pepper: Contributes spiciness and heat to the chicken.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste, adding depth to the spice mix.
- Chicken Breast: Provides the main protein source for the sandwich. Chicken thighs or tenders can be used as alternatives.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity and robust flavor to the chicken. Used for cooking the marinated chicken. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil can be used for cooking.
For Sandwich:
- Ciabatta Bread: Offers a nutty and hearty taste. Provides a crisp texture to the sandwich when toasted. Baguette, rustic Italian bread, or whole grain bread can be alternatives for ciabatta bread.
- Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the sandwich. Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, or spicy brown mustard can be used.
- Lettuce Leaves: Provides a mild, refreshing taste. Contributes a crisp and fresh texture.
- Cheese Slices: Enhances richness and savory notes. Add a creamy element to the sandwich.
- Tomato: Offers a sweet and slightly acidic taste. Adds juiciness and a soft texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a rich taste to the sandwich. Aioli can be used as a creamy alternative.
- Red Pickled Onions: Provide tangy flavor, and acidity to balance richness, crunchy texture, and vibrant color for visual appeal. Pickled gherkins can be used instead of red pickled onions.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Spicy Chicken Sandwich
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
How to Make Spicy Chicken:
1. Mix yogurt, salt, cumin, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
2. Slice the chicken breast horizontally to create two fillets.
3. Cover the chicken generously with the yogurt spice mixture, making sure it's coated evenly.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
5. On medium-high heat, warm up extra virgin olive oil in a pan.
6. Cook the marinated chicken until it's fully cooked and gets a slight char on the edges.
Sandwich Assembly:
1. Cut the ciabatta bread rolls horizontally to create two halves.
2. Using the same pan, toast the ciabatta bread until golden brown.
3. After toasting the ciabatta breads, take them out of the pan and spread mustard on one side of each roll.
4. Chop the lettuce and place it on the bottom half of each roll.
5. Place the cooked spicy chicken on top of the lettuce layer.
6. Place a slice of cheese over the chicken.
7. Cut the tomato into slices and layer them on top of the cheese.
8. Top generously with pickled onions.
9. Spread mayonnaise on the other half of the ciabatta roll and place it on top to finish assembling the sandwich.
📖Variations
- Chicken Gyros Sandwich: Marinate the chicken with coriander seed, pepper, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, dried thyme, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Fill a flatbread with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion and chicken.
- Shawarma Chicken Sandwich: Marinate the chicken with shawarma spices. Layer with yogurt sauce, tomato, onion, and parsley salad, pickled green chillies, pickled cucumbers, and lettuce.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Coat the chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking. Top with coleslaw, pickles, and crispy fried onions for added crunch.
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich: Marinate the chicken in jerk seasoning for a Caribbean flair. Include mango slices, red onion, and a spicy aioli.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Use buffalo sauce-marinated chicken instead of spiced chicken. Top with blue cheese dressing or crumbles, lettuce, and tomato.
- Southern-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich: Dip the chicken in a spicy buttermilk batter before frying. Top with pickles, coleslaw, and a drizzle of hot honey.
- Mexican-Inspired Chicken Torta: Marinate the chicken with taco seasoning or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Add guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, and cotija cheese.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store! You can find the equipment I use in this recipe: Knife, Cutting Board, Saucepan, Small Bowl, Spatula, Large Bowl, Pan and Tongs.
🍽 How to Serve
- Choose a Plate or Platter: Select a plate or platter that complements the colors of the sandwich ingredients.
- Individual Plates: Plate each sandwich separately for a more formal or intimate setting.
- Family Style: Serve the Spicy Chicken Sandwich on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Choose Complementary Sides: Consider serving the sandwich with a side of crispy bubble potato pillows, crispy smashed potatoes, pasta salad, Waldorf salad, or a potato salad.
- Suggest Beverages: Recommend suitable beverages such as iced tea, a refreshing lemonade, or your favorite soft drinks to accompany the sandwich.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Organize Ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are sliced, chopped, and measured, making the assembly process smoother.
Butterfly Technique: Butterfly the chicken for quicker and more even cooking.
Uniform Coating: Ensure the yogurt spice mixture coats the chicken evenly for consistent flavor.
Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat thoroughly.
Pan Temperature: Heat the pan with extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat for a good sear on the chicken.
Toasting Bread: Toast the ciabatta bread for a crispy texture and to enhance the nutty flavors.
Layering: Arrange the components strategically for a well-balanced bite in each mouthful.
Freshness: Use crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes to add freshness and a contrasting texture.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Spicy Chicken Sandwich immediately after assembly to maintain the freshness of the ingredients and the crispness of the bread.
Storage: Store components separately, keep the chicken, pickled onions, and vegetables in separate containers. Assemble the sandwich just before eating for the freshest taste and texture.
❓FAQ
A Spicy Chicken Sandwich typically consists of spiced and grilled chicken, pickled red onions, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, assembled between toasted ciabatta rolls with a spread of mustard and mayonnaise.
KFC's spicy chicken is seasoned with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powder. It's fried till crispy outside, and juicy inside. Options include wings, tenders, and sandwiches for a zesty flavor.
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches might have mayo, but it depends on the recipe or where you get it. Mayo adds a creaminess that goes well with the spice and improves the taste and texture. Different places might use different condiments, so it's best to check before ordering.
🍛More Comfort Food Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite comfort food recipes! Try these:
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🎥Watch my Videos
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making these fantastic Pork Rolls!
📖 Recipe
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
For Spicy Chicken:
- 3 tablespoon Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Chicken Breast
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For Sandwich:
- 2 Ciabatta Bread
- 2 tablespoon Mustard
- 2 Lettuce Leaves
- 2 Cheese Slices
- 1 Tomato
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
How to Make Spicy Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, salt, cumin powder, pepper, and paprika.
- Butterfly the chicken breast and cut two fillets.
- Coat the chicken with the yogurt spice mixture, ensuring it's well-covered.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
Sandwich Assembly:
- Slice the ciabatta bread rolls in half.
- In the same pan, toast the ciabatta breads.
- Once the ciabatta breads are toasted, remove from the pan and spread mustard on one side of each roll.
- Slice the lettuce leaf and place on the bottom half of each roll.
- Layer the cooked spiced chicken on top of the lettuce.
- Add a slice of cheese on top of the chicken.
- Slice the tomato and place tomato slices over the cheese slice.
- Add a generous amount of pickled onions on top.
- Add mayonnaise on the other half of the ciabatta roll and place it on top to complete the sandwich.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
This spicy chicken sandwich is delicious! 🔥 Perfect amount of heat and the pickled onions will take this to the next level, 10/10 must try!