While fast food is something that I desperately try to stay away from, that doesn't mean there aren't things out there that I want to be in love with. I'd just prefer to find a healthier way to cook them for myself and my family. Case and point... the spicy chicken sandwich.

What I was going for here is sort of a kicked up version of the one that you'll find at almost any chicken joint such as the infamous Chick-fil-a. I wanted something with a little more spice and a lot less calories and fat! And... not fried.

I basically took my Baked Faux-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets recipe, adjusted the brine, added a lot more sass and spices, and used a bigger piece of chicken. The results? Well, I've been asked if this could be something we have weekly in my house, so I must have done something right!

Originally I wanted to use a hot & spicy pickle juice for the brine, but I couldn't find any hot & spicy pickles within a 10 mile radius of me. So... I went with pickled jalapeño juice instead. But, either one would work just as well!

Skinny Spicy Chicken Sandwich
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 2 • Size: 1 Sandwich • Calories: 331 • Fat: 7.4 g • Carb: 34.3 g • Fiber: 5.6 g • Protein: 33.1 g • Sugar: 2.8 g • Sodium: 601.4 mg

Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breast, Boneless & Skinless (4 Oz. Ea.)
1/4 C. Pickled Jalapeño Juice
1/4 C. + 2 Tsp. Hot Sauce, Divided (I used Frank's.)
3 Tbsp. Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs
1 Tbsp. Panko
2 Tbsp. Parmesan, Dried & Grated
1/4 Tsp. Paprika
1/8 Tsp. Garlic Powder
1/8 Tsp. Basil
1/8 Tsp. Cayenne
1/8 Tsp. Chili Powder
Salt & Pepper to Taste
100 Calorie 100% Whole Wheat Bun

Optional Topping Suggestions:
Pepper Jack Cheese, Pickled Jalapeños, Hot & Spicy Pickles, Light Mayonnaise 

Directions:

Pound the chicken out slightly to about 1/4-1/2" thickness and combine with the pickled jalapeño juice and 1/4 c. hot sauce to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best!

I place mine into a ziplock bag. Nothing fancy here!

Once the chicken has marinated, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with foil. Lightly spray a metal baking rack with non-stick cooking spray and place over the baking sheet. Set aside.

Combine the bread crumbs, panko, parmesan and spices together in a shallow bowl.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining sauce.

Give each piece of chicken a small splash (about 1 tsp.) of hot sauce and dredge through the breading mixture to coat.

Place the breaded chicken carefully over the prepared baking rack.

Repeat for the remaining piece of chicken.

Give the chicken a light spray of non-stick cooking spray and place it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken carefully, give another light coat of non-stick cooking spray and continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Once done, remove from the oven and place each piece of chicken onto a bun.

Top with cheese and other wonderful things (if desired), and enjoy!