Dinner

Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

ByJack Voss January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

This Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Tender, shredded chicken gets tossed in a spicy seasoning and crunchy panko, then melted cheese and toasted bread complete this satisfying sandwich. It’s perfect for any meal when you want a delicious kick.

A close-up image of a toasted sandwich on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two golden-brown, crispy bread slices with a slightly charred texture on top. Inside, there are two layers: the bottom layer consists of melted, gooey yellow cheese oozing out, and the top layer holds shredded chicken mixed with spices, giving it a textured, orange appearance. The sandwich looks thick, juicy, and freshly made, with some crumbs scattered on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot or Sriracha)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 slices thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough or country white)
8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices pepper jack cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat. Bake for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
Step 4: Stir the crispy panko breadcrumbs into the spicy chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Arrange the 8 bread slices and butter one side of each slice with the softened butter.
Step 6: On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer one slice sharp cheddar, a generous portion of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice pepper jack, and one more slice sharp cheddar. Top each with the remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.
Step 7: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
Step 8: Remove from heat, allow sandwiches to rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice in half and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use your favorite hot sauce or add more cayenne for extra heat.
Swap out pepper jack for mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.
For a crispier sandwich, toast the bread slices slightly before assembling.
Add pickles or sliced avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a thick grilled sandwich on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two slices of golden-brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy and textured crust. Inside, there are two clear layers: the bottom layer is melted bright orange cheese that oozes slightly out of the sandwich, and above that is a generous amount of shredded chicken mixed with seasoning that gives it a reddish-orange tint. The sandwich looks warm and freshly made, with some small bits of chicken and cheese spilling onto the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts first. Poaching or baking until fully cooked works well before shredding and proceeding with the recipe.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though the sandwich may be slightly less crispy. Alternatively, crushed crackers or cornflakes are tasty substitutes.