If you love a spicy, crispy chicken sandwich, the Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich is one you’ve probably been craving. With its crispy chicken fillet, spicy sauce, and perfectly toasted bun, it’s a fast food favorite.
The good news? You can recreate this delicious sandwich right in your own kitchen! In this recipe, i will show you how to make a Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich that’s crispy, juicy, and packed with heat.
What You’ll Need for the Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you’ve got all the ingredients ready. This copycat version of the Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich uses easy-to-find ingredients that you likely have in your pantry and fridge.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Spicy Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembling:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably toasted)
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Pickles (optional, but they add a nice crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the chicken. To get that tender, juicy chicken, you’ll need to marinate it for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge). In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture and make sure they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to make the sauce! In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.
3. Bread the Chicken:
After marinating the chicken, it’s time to coat it. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken breasts into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour gently onto the chicken to create a nice, thick coating.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need about 1-2 inches of oil in the pan. When the oil reaches 350°F (or you can test by dropping in a small piece of bread — it should sizzle right away), carefully add the chicken breasts.
Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Assemble the Sandwich:
To assemble the sandwich, spread a generous amount of spicy sauce on the bottom bun. Top with a crispy chicken breast, a few fresh lettuce leaves, and pickles if desired. Finally, top with the other bun and press gently to hold everything together.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich
This Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich is everything you love about fast food, but made right at home! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Crispy, Juicy Chicken: The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and tender while the flour coating crisps up beautifully.
- Perfect Balance of Spice & Sweetness: The spicy sauce combines the heat from the sriracha with a touch of honey for a balanced flavor profile that’s addictive.
- Customizable: You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Affordable: You’ll be able to make several sandwiches for the price of one at the drive-thru!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional facts for one sandwich:
- Calories: Approximately 550-600 (depending on portion sizes and ingredients)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or needs.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Double Dip for Extra Crispy: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken in the flour mixture twice before frying.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or drizzle more sriracha on the sandwich.
- Air Fryer Option: If you want to make a lighter version, cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toasting the Buns: Don’t skip toasting the buns! It adds a nice texture and helps prevent sogginess.
- Make Ahead: The spicy sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. Can I make this sandwich with grilled chicken? Absolutely! If you prefer grilled chicken over fried, simply marinate the chicken as directed, then grill until cooked through. The sauce and bun will still give you that Checkers-inspired flavor.
2. What can I serve with this sandwich? French fries, coleslaw, or even onion rings are perfect sides to pair with this spicy sandwich. For a lighter option, a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement it well.
3. Can I make this sandwich gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to double-check your bun choice for gluten-free options.
4. How can I store leftovers? Store the chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Sandwich
Making a Copycat Checkers Spicy Chicken Sandwich at home means you get all the amazing flavors and textures of the fast-food version without leaving your house. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you’re just craving that crispy, spicy goodness. Happy cooking!
