Sarah BrownBefore diving into the delightful pursuit of creating a Jack in the Box spicy chicken sandwich, let’s talk about what to enjoy alongside this culinary marvel. Pairing matters! You can opt for a refreshing coleslaw that adds a creamy crunch or perhaps some crispy fries seasoned just right.
A chilled drink, like sweet tea or lemonade, can wash down the heat nicely. Don’t forget a side of pickles; they provide a tangy snap that complements the spiced chicken beautifully! Now that your taste buds are tingling, let’s embark on a flavorful exploration.
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A Spicy Adventure Awaits
I stumbled upon the Jack in the Box spicy chicken sandwich while on the lookout for a quick meal that didn’t skimp on flavor.
My curiosity piqued when I learned that many fans rave about this sandwich. Why? Because it nicely balances spice with juicy chicken and delightful toppings. As a food enthusiast, I had to recreate this experience at home.
Why was this recipe appealing? It’s a handmade version of a fast-food favorite, it’s customizable, and, believe me, it can rival its drive-thru counterpart.
Cooking at home allows me to control the ingredients, and honestly, there’s a satisfaction that comes from crunching into something that I’ve perfected myself.
The Ingredients: More Than Meets the Eye
Let’s stop for a moment and unpack the ingredients. When you gather your supplies, it tells a story of flavor. It starts with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Each piece is a blank canvas, waiting for a burst of spice.
Next, you’ll need cultured buttermilk. This creamy miracle worker tenderizes the chicken, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply. I can’t stress enough how this simple addition transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary treat.
The self-rising flour and cornstarch form the crispy coating. This is where your sandwich gets its delightful crunch.
Next up: a medley of spices stacked in a small bowl. Imagine taking a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and a sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, and celery salt. Each adds its unique flair.
And let’s not leave out the canola oil for frying and the buttery brioche buns. These buns are not just a base; they cradle the spicy goodness and hold everything together perfectly.
It all comes full circle with a spicy mayo made from Duke’s mayonnaise, mixed with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, honey, and zest from a lemon. Think of it as the shining jewel atop your sandwich, bringing it all together.
Ingredients List
For the Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon MSG (Accent)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups cultured buttermilk
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Brioche buns
How to Make the Jack in the Box Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first, we need to get that chicken marinating. Place the four chicken breasts in a bowl, and pour in the cultured buttermilk. It should be thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl, and let it sit in the fridge for at least one hour. This step is crucial; the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning and the Flour
While the chicken is soaking up the goodness, let’s mix our seasoning blend. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, poultry seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, and MSG. Stir it well.
Now, take another bowl and mix the self-rising flour and cornstarch. You want them to be evenly combined for that crispy coating.
Step 3: Mix the Spicy Mayo
Time to whip up that spicy mayo! In a bowl, stir together the Duke’s mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, sweet paprika, and honey. The result should be creamy with a spicy kick. Set this aside for later.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
It’s time for the fun part. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour before moving on. This step is vital since the coating will give that nice crunch we’re after.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Pour canola oil into a deep frying pan, enough to submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place your coated chicken breasts in the hot oil – be cautious of any splatter!
Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
While the chicken drains, let’s toast our brioche buns. Use a bit of butter in a pan or on the grill, adding the buns until they are golden brown. This adds another layer of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich
Here’s where the magic happens. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half of your toasted brioche bun. Place a crispy chicken breast on top, followed by your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles. Don’t forget another dollop of spicy mayo on the top bun before placing it on your sandwich.
Recipe Notes
- Cayenne Pepper: This spice can really pack a punch. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
- Buttermilk: A fantastic tenderizer; its tanginess adds flavor while breaking down proteins.
- Self-Rising Flour: Contains baking powder and salt. If you don’t have it, you can create a substitute with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Spicy Mayo: I enjoy experimenting with various hot sauces. Find your favorite, and don’t hesitate to change it up!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up! Want a milder version? Swap out cayenne for paprika. Looking for a crunch? Add fried jalapeños or crispy onions on top. For a sweeter taste, drizzle some extra honey in the spicy mayo. The possibilities are endless!
Jack In The Box Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon MSG Accent
Spicy Mayo:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups cultured buttermilk
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Canola oil for frying
- Brioche buns
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- First things first, we need to get that chicken marinating. Place the four chicken breasts in a bowl, and pour in the cultured buttermilk. It should be thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl, and let it sit in the fridge for at least one hour. This step is crucial; the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning and the Flour
- While the chicken is soaking up the goodness, let’s mix our seasoning blend. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, poultry seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, and MSG. Stir it well.
- Now, take another bowl and mix the self-rising flour and cornstarch. You want them to be evenly combined for that crispy coating.
Step 3: Mix the Spicy Mayo
- Time to whip up that spicy mayo! In a bowl, stir together the Duke’s mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, sweet paprika, and honey. The result should be creamy with a spicy kick. Set this aside for later.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- It’s time for the fun part. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour before moving on. This step is vital since the coating will give that nice crunch we’re after.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Pour canola oil into a deep frying pan, enough to submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place your coated chicken breasts in the hot oil – be cautious of any splatter!
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
- While the chicken drains, let’s toast our brioche buns. Use a bit of butter in a pan or on the grill, adding the buns until they are golden brown. This adds another layer of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich
- Here’s where the magic happens. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half of your toasted brioche bun. Place a crispy chicken breast on top, followed by your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles. Don’t forget another dollop of spicy mayo on the top bun before placing it on your sandwich.
Notes
- Cayenne Pepper: This spice can really pack a punch. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
- Buttermilk: A fantastic tenderizer; its tanginess adds flavor while breaking down proteins.
- Self-Rising Flour: Contains baking powder and salt. If you don’t have it, you can create a substitute with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Spicy Mayo: I enjoy experimenting with various hot sauces. Find your favorite, and don’t hesitate to change it up!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the chicken spicy without frying?
Absolutely! You can bake or air fry the chicken instead. Baking at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes should yield a healthier alternative, but be sure to check that it’s fully cooked.
2. What is MSG, and can I skip it?
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, enhances umami flavor. If you want to avoid it, simply omit it or replace it with additional spices like garlic powder.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
4. Can I use a different type of bread?
Definitely! Try using whole wheat buns, sandwich bread, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
5. Are there any side effects of using buttermilk?
Buttermilk is generally safe for most. However, if you’re lactose intolerant, consider using a dairy-free substitute like almond milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
6. What toppings work best with this sandwich?
While I enjoy lettuce and tomato, sliced avocados, jalapeños, or even a slaw can elevate your spicy chicken experience!
Conclusion
Creating a homemade Jack in the Box spicy chicken sandwich is easier than one might think. You have the power to customize flavors and textures while experiencing the joy of cooking.
From the hearty crunch of the fried chicken to the refreshing kick of the spicy mayo, every bite is a delightful reminder of why this dish captivates so many.
Whether you’re making a solo meal or feeding a crowd, I guarantee this spicy adventure will be a hit. So fire up your stove, gather your ingredients, and take a step towards creating a satisfying experience that your taste buds will thank you for.
Happy cooking!
