Hey foodie friend! If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and packed with bold, vibrant flavors, this Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich is about to rock your world. Picture golden, crunchy fried chicken coated in a zingy Thai-inspired sauce, piled high on a soft bun with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing that ties it all together perfectly. It’s a flavor explosion that’s equal parts comforting and exciting — trust me, this one’s a total game-changer for your sandwich lineup!
Why You’ll Love Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:
Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a casual weekend hangout. Whether you’re eating solo or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to impress.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver bold, complex flavors that feel anything but ordinary.
Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, perfect for cooks at any level wanting something tasty without fuss.
Customizable: Love it spicy? Add extra chili. Prefer it milder? Tone down the heat and load up on fresh herbs.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, tangy, creamy, and fresh — it hits all the right notes to please kids and adults alike.
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Ingredients in Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich
Here’s what makes this sandwich pop with flavor and texture:
Chicken & Coating
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy and tender, perfect for frying.
Flour and Cornstarch Mix: For that ultra-crispy crust.
Eggs & Buttermilk: Help the coating stick and add moisture.
Thai Spices: Garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and a touch of fish sauce for authentic flavor.
Sauce & Dressing
Sweet Chili Sauce: Sticky and sweet with a gentle heat.
Mayonnaise: Creamy and cooling, balancing the spice.
Lime Juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and Thai basil bring fresh, aromatic notes.
Sandwich Build
Brioche or Soft Sandwich Buns: Light, buttery buns that soak up all the juicy goodness.
Fresh Veggies: Crisp cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and crunchy lettuce add freshness and crunch.
Pickled Red Onions: Tangy, sweet, and the perfect contrast to the fried chicken.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to build the ultimate Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich? Let’s get cooking:
Prep Your Chicken
Cut chicken into sandwich-sized pieces if needed. Marinate in buttermilk, Thai spices, and a splash of fish sauce for at least 30 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Make the Coating
Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasoning in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice in a bowl for a creamy, tangy spread.
Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the sandwich buns until golden and warm.
Assemble the Sandwich
Spread the chili mayo on both sides of the bun. Layer on the fried chicken, fresh veggies, pickled onions, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and Thai basil.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy. Grab some napkins — this one’s juicy and messy in the best way!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories per sandwich
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour including marinating
How to Serve Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich is a full meal on its own, but here are some great sides to complete the feast:
Fresh Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw with lime and chili dressing pairs beautifully.
Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy chicken.
Simple Green Salad: Light and refreshing, balances the richness.
Cold Beer or Iced Tea: Perfect beverages to cool the heat and refresh your palate.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Marinate your chicken the night before for deeper flavor.
Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap mayo for vegan mayo and use plant-based milk in the marinade to make it vegan-friendly.
Storage Tips: Store leftover fried chicken separately from buns to keep it crispy. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales well for bigger gatherings — just make sure you have enough oil for frying.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! Just be careful not to overcook breasts as they can dry out faster than thighs.
Q2: Can I bake instead of fry?
A2: You can, but the crust won’t be as crispy. Bake at a high temperature on a wire rack for best results.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep chicken and buns separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Q5: What’s the best oil for frying?
A5: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Q6: How spicy is this sandwich?
A6: It has a mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the chili level to suit your taste.
Q7: Can I add cheese?
A7: Definitely! A slice of mild cheddar or Monterey Jack melts nicely if you want an extra layer.
Q8: What buns work best?
A8: Soft, slightly sweet buns like brioche or potato rolls complement the spicy chicken perfectly.
Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Use gluten-free flour blends and cornstarch for the coating, and check your sauces for gluten ingredients.
Q10: Can I prep this sandwich for a party?
A10: Yes! Fry the chicken in advance and reheat before assembling to keep things easy.
Conclusion
There you have it — the Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich that’s crispy, juicy, tangy, and totally crave-worthy. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’ll have you coming back for more. Give it a try next time you want to impress or treat yourself to something extraordinary. Ready to take your sandwich game up a notch?
Print
Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A crispy fried chicken sandwich with bold Thai-inspired flavors, featuring a spicy, tangy slaw and creamy sauce for a perfect balance of heat and freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 brioche buns, toasted
- For Thai Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- For Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
- Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, cilantro with lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to make the slaw.
- Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make spicy mayo.
- Assemble sandwiches: spread spicy mayo on bottom bun, add fried chicken, top with Thai slaw, then place top bun.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust cayenne and sriracha amounts to your preferred spice level.
- For extra crunch, add sliced cucumber or pickled jalapeños.
- Use chicken breast if preferred, but thighs stay juicier.
- Can be made ahead by preparing slaw and spicy mayo in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg