Sweet Heat Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich

Elle Cresswell

Sweet Heat Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich

This Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich is what happens when crispy comfort food takes a holiday to Southeast Asia and comes back glowing. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in fragrant curry, fried until outrageously golden and crunchy, then tucked into soft toasted buns.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Marinating 1

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

The Coconut Curry Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cup creamy coconut milk
1 tbsp curry powder
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
1 tsp salt
½ tsp teaspoon sugar

The Ultra-Crispy Coating

1 cup rice flour or cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying

3 cups vegetable oil enough for deep frying

The Saucy, Crunchy Toppings

¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
¼ cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
½ cucumber thinly sliced
½ pickled carrots thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves
Fresh Thai basil leaves

The Base

4 soft buns or brioche buns lightly toasted

Method

In a bowl, stir together coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, salt, and sugar until it smells ridiculously good.
Add the chicken thighs and turn them until they’re completely coated in that golden, fragrant marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — or, if you’ve got patience (rare, but powerful), leave it overnight for maximum flavour and tenderness.
This is where the magic sinks in.
On a plate, mix the rice flour (or cornstarch) with salt and pepper.
Lift the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off — we want flavour, not soup. Press each thigh firmly into the flour mixture, coating every edge. Don’t be shy here. The more even the coating, the more dramatic the crunch.
Heat vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep skillet or fryer.
Carefully lower in the chicken. Listen for that satisfying sizzle — that’s your cue you’re doing it right.
Fry for 5–7 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp, and the internal temperature hits 74°C (165°F).
Transfer to a wire rack (best for staying crispy) or paper towels to drain.
Try not to “just test a corner.”We both know how that ends.
Whisk together Thai chilli sauce and mayo (or yogurt) until creamy, glossy, and slightly dangerous.
Thinly slice the cucumber and pickled carrots.Wash and dry your herbs.Lightly toast the buns so they’re warm and ready for action.
Spread a generous layer of chilli mayo on both halves of each bun.
Add the crispy chicken first — it’s the star.Layer over cucumber slices, pickled carrots, and a handful of fresh cilantro and Thai basil.
Top with the other bun half and give it a gentle press to seal the deal.
And that’s it. Crispy. Creamy. Spicy. Herby. Slightly messy in the best possible way.

Notes

For even deeper flavour, let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge. The coconut, curry, garlic, and ginger will soak right in, giving you juicier, more aromatic chicken with every bite. It’s one of those small steps that makes a big difference.

As for the chilli mayo, make it your own. Add more Thai chilli sauce if you like a bold, sweet heat that lingers, or dial it back for something creamier and mellow. Taste as you go — this sandwich should match your spice personality.