Whataburger Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
My love for food often leads me on culinary adventures. One such journey brought me to Whataburger, a popular burger chain known for its unique spin on fast food classics.
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Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 600kcal
Equipment
- large pan or deep fryer
Ingredients
Buttermilk Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk refer to notes below
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, pounded to an even thickness
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha or your preferred hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon each of salt black pepper, and garlic powder
Flour Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon each of salt black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (reduce cayenne for less spice)
Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice adds brightness
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha or your choice of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon dill pickle relish for a tangy twist
To Assemble
- 4 burger buns lightly toasted with butter
- Cooking oil for frying
- Lettuce tomato, and/or pickles, sliced, or your choice of toppings
Instructions
- Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s put it all together in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, Sriracha, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk it well. Place the chicken thighs in this mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover it and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir until combined. This mixture will create the crispy coating that we all love.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a large pan or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. Aim for about 350°F. A good way to test if the oil is ready is to drop a small piece of flour mixture into it. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
- Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Mayo
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Sriracha, and dill pickle relish. Mix until smooth. Adjust the spiciness by adding extra Sriracha.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
- On a toasted bun, spread a generous layer of spicy mayo. Place the crispy chicken thigh on top and add lettuce, tomato, and pickles according to your preference. Top it with the other half of the bun and there you have it—your very own Whataburger Spicy Chicken Sandwich!
Notes
Here are a few tips to ensure your sandwich shines:
- Choose Thighs Over Breasts: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts, which can dry out easily.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in both the marinade and spicy mayo to suit your heat tolerance.
- Double Batch for Meal Prep: Make a double batch of fried chicken. It’s perfect for sandwiches throughout the week and can be kept warm in the oven.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your vegetables plays a big role. Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crisp pickles make your sandwich pop.