Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to make your kitchen smell like heaven:

1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally, creating four thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
2. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This is a great time to prep the rest of your ingredients or even take a small break—something I cherish amidst the chaos.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Once marinated, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl to create a spicy spread.
7. Toast the brioche buns lightly on a skillet for that extra crunch.
8. Assemble your sandwich: spread the spicy mayo on both sides of the bun, add lettuce, the crispy chicken, and top with pickles. Place the top bun and press gently.

And there you have it—your Spicy Chicken Sandwich is ready to serve!