The Ultimate Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

In the last few years, one of the biggest stories in the culinary world has been the exploding popularity of fried chicken sandwiches. It seems like every major dining chain has rolled out its own version, but there’s one thing they’re all missing: pepper jelly!

Yes, for those of us who like chicken kickin’, there’s no better way to turn up the heat than to turn a plain ol’ fried chicken sandwich into aspicy fried chicken sandwich. Not only does Grandma Jones’ Pepper Jelly give your chicken an extra zing, but it also comes in a wide variety of flavors, so you can tweak any spicy chicken sandwich recipe to suit your tastes.

Looking to add a bit of smoky sweetness? Try our Southwestern Chipotle Pepper Jelly. In the mood for something with a tropical flair? Grab a jar of Caribbean Mango Pepper Jelly. Want to really feel the burn? Light a fire with our hotter-than-hot Habanero Pepper Jelly. Grandma Jones makes every dish a little bit sweeter, a little bit spicier, and a whole lot tastier. Order some today!

If you already have pepper jelly in your pantry, then you’re ready to try our Ultimate Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe. Give it a taste and let us know what you think!

How to Make the Best Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

Spicy Fried Chicken Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Spicy Pepper Jelly Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Grandma Jones’ Pepper Jelly (any flavor)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Other Ingredients:

• 4 hamburger buns
• Sliced pickles
• Coleslaw
• Deli-sliced American or Cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the spicy pepper jelly sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the pepper jelly, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the breading mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing it firmly to adhere. Shake off any excess flour. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Assemble the sandwich: Toast the hamburger buns, if desired. Spread a generous amount of coleslaw on the bottom half of each bun, and an equally generous amount of spicy pepper jelly sauce. Place a piece of fried chicken between the two buns, then add pickles and, if desired, a slice of American or Cheddar cheese.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the ultimate spicy fried chicken sandwich immediately while the chicken is still crispy and hot. Feel free to serve it with extra sauce for dipping and your favorite side dishes.

Everything Tastes Better with Pepper Jelly

If you loved this spicy chicken sandwich recipe, you’re in luck. We’ve got plenty more where that came from! Stop by our Grandma Jones’ blog for more delicious recipes utilizing pepper jelly. Better yet, order one of our Pepper Jelly Variety Packs to mix and match your favorite flavors. 

Just as every chicken sandwich is made a little bit better with sweetness and spice, every meal, snack, and side dish tastes a little bit better with some Pepper Jelly. Try some today!