Detroit-Inspired Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw
A bold grilled chicken sandwich featuring a spicy marinade and a crisp, tangy pickled slaw for refreshing balance. This Vietnamese recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, hot sauce, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1 lb) boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tbsp butter
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp hot sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 julienned carrot, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar in a bowl. Toss and let sit for 20 minutes to pickle lightly.
- Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 4: Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise evenly on the cut sides of 4 hamburger buns, then toast buns in a skillet with 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until golden, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble sandwiches by layering grilled chicken thighs topped with the pickled slaw on the toasted buns. Serve immediately.









