Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are spicy, saucy, and absolutely indulgent—featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a fiery dynamite sauce, layered with melty cheese, crunchy pickles, and fresh lettuce, all nestled in soft toasted buns. Perfect for parties, game days, or when you’re craving a bold and flavorful comfort meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken buns are the perfect fusion of heat, crunch, and creaminess. The crispy fried chicken delivers satisfying texture, while the homemade dynamite sauce provides just the right amount of kick. Melted cheese adds indulgence, and the pickles cut through the richness with a tangy contrast. With straightforward prep and big flavor payoff, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for casual gatherings or spicy cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- sandwich buns or mini pita breads
- boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- all-purpose flour
- cornstarch
- paprika
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- oil for frying
For the Dynamite Sauce:
- mayonnaise
- sriracha
- ketchup
- honey
- lemon juice
For Assembly:
- shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- sliced pickles
- shredded lettuce
- ranch or garlic sauce for drizzling
Directions
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken strips in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully dredged.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken strips until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all dynamite sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Toss the hot, crispy chicken in the dynamite sauce until evenly coated.
- Lightly toast the buns or pita breads in a skillet or oven.
- To assemble, place shredded lettuce and sliced pickles on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add the saucy chicken on top, then sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with ranch or garlic sauce.
- Serve warm, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings (2 buns each)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving
Variations
- Baked version: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Extra spicy: Add chili flakes or double the sriracha in the dynamite sauce.
- Cheese upgrade: Use pepper jack or a smoky gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Vegan version: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu and use plant-based sauces and cheese.
- Wrap it up: Turn this into a wrap using flatbreads or tortillas instead of buns.
Storage/Reheating
These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored separately. Keep the chicken and buns in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Assemble just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
FAQs
What is dynamite sauce made of?
It’s a spicy, creamy blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, ketchup, honey, and lemon juice—tangy, slightly sweet, and hot.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the sriracha and increase the ketchup or mayonnaise to mellow the heat.
Is it possible to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, though it won’t be as crispy. You can still toss it in dynamite sauce and heat it before assembling.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, fry and refrigerate the chicken. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before tossing in sauce and serving.
What buns work best for this recipe?
Soft sandwich buns, brioche rolls, or mini pita breads all work well. Toasting adds texture.
Can I use store-bought dynamite sauce?
Yes, but homemade allows you to control the flavor and spice level.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Fried chicken can be frozen before saucing. Reheat in the oven or air fryer, then toss in fresh sauce before serving.
What side dishes go well with these buns?
Fries, coleslaw, cucumber salad, or even roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilled chicken strips work for a healthier twist, though they won’t have the same crispy texture.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Assemble just before eating, and avoid overloading with sauce or wet toppings.
Conclusion
Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are the ultimate spicy-satisfying sandwich for comfort food lovers. With crispy chicken, bold sauce, and melty cheese in every bite, they’re made to impress at parties, satisfy weeknight cravings, or elevate your homemade fast food game. Easy to customize and bursting with flavor, these buns deliver fiery indulgence with minimal fuss.
PrintCheesy Dynamite Chicken
