Description
This Flamin’ Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich is the perfect combination of fiery crunch and juicy tenderness. Coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and fried to crispy perfection, it’s packed with bold flavor and spice. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a spicy upgrade to your weeknight dinner, this sandwich brings the heat — and satisfaction — in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved for 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: Crush Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor or plastic bag. Set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Cheeto crumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat well with Cheeto crumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry each chicken piece for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
- Toast the Buns: Toast the brioche buns lightly on a skillet or in the oven for 1–2 minutes.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread spicy mayo on each bun. Add lettuce, tomato, fried chicken, pickles, and top bun. Serve hot!
Notes
Crush the Cheetos very finely for even coating. For a milder version, use regular Cheetos or panko breadcrumbs. For meal prep, marinate and coat chicken ahead of time, then fry before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg