This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a true winner! With juicy chicken coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Making these sandwiches is a breeze! I love adding my favorite sauces and toppings, like crispy lettuce and fresh tomatoes. It’s a delicious treat that’s perfect for any meal! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs for a bit more flavor and moisture.
Buttermilk: This is key for marinating and tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Flour and Seasonings: All-purpose flour gives that crispy exterior. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option or cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative. Feel free to mix in your favorite spices—chili powder or Italian seasoning can add a nice twist!
Buns: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, which pairs well with the spicy chicken. If you prefer a healthier option, whole grain or even lettuce wraps work nicely.
Hot Sauce: It’s optional but adds great flavor! You can leave it out for kids or use a milder sauce if you prefer less heat.
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Chicken?
To achieve that perfect crunch, focus on the coating and the frying technique. First, ensure the chicken is patted dry before marinating, as moisture can make the coating soggy.
- When you dredge the chicken in flour, make sure to press it down lightly. This helps the flour stick better and creates a thicker crispy layer.
- Fry in oil that’s heated to the right temperature (about 350°F or 175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one. Too low and the chicken will soak up oil; too high and it may burn.
- Don’t crowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary, as this keeps the oil hot and allows the chicken to cook evenly, ensuring a golden crust without losing moisture.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche buns recommended)
- Mayonnaise, for spreading
- Leaf lettuce (such as green leaf or romaine)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Dill pickles, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus about 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking will take about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour to have a delicious crispy chicken sandwich ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce if you’re using it. Submerge the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally 2-4 hours) to marinate. This will make the chicken flavorful and tender!
2. Preparing the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, get your coating ready. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well to combine all the spices.
3. Heating the Oil:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just drop a little bit of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
4. Coating the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken breasts out of the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick coating forms.
5. Frying the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry each one for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Draining the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
7. Toasting the Buns:
While the chicken is draining, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a toaster or skillet until they are golden and warm.
8. Assembling the Sandwich:
Spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns to add creaminess. On the bottom bun, layer dill pickles, fresh lettuce, and tomato slices. Place the crispy fried chicken breast on top of the vegetables and cap it off with the top bun.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Enjoy your delicious, homemade crispy chicken sandwiches!
This recipe yields 2 hearty servings. Feel free to double the ingredients to make more sandwiches for family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating. The best methods for thawing are leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method—just place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water.
How Can I Make This Sandwich Spicier?
If you crave more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture. You could also serve the sandwich with spicy mayo or a jalapeño sauce!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The fried chicken can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness.
What’s the Best Side Dish to Serve with This Sandwich?
This crispy chicken sandwich pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, you could also serve it with onion rings!
