Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Printable)

A bold mix of spicy shredded chicken and melted cheese on crispy golden bread for a flavorful meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot or Sriracha)
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Crispy Coating

09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Sandwich Components

11 - 8 slices thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough or country white)
12 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How To Make It:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F.
02 - Combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if used, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, toss to coat evenly, then bake for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring once midway. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Fold the toasted panko into the seasoned chicken mixture to distribute evenly.
05 - Arrange eight bread slices and butter one side of each slice.
06 - Place one slice cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of four bread slices, add a generous amount of spicy chicken mixture, top with one slice pepper jack and another slice cheddar. Cap with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, let rest 1 to 2 minutes, then slice in half and serve while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like the best decision you made all week, but takes less time than ordering takeout.
  • The panko coating stays crunchy even after the cheese melts, which shouldn't work but absolutely does.
  • You can dial the spice up or down depending on your mood and who's eating with you.
02 -
  • Toasting the panko beforehand is non-negotiable; raw panko just absorbs moisture and gets weird.
  • Medium heat is your friend here—too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and you end up with cold, greasy bread.
03 -
  • Keep your skillet at medium heat and be patient—rushing to higher temps will burn the outside before melting the inside.
  • If you're making these for a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a 250°F oven while you cook the rest.
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