This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a real treat! Juicy chicken is coated in a crunchy crust and topped with your favorite fixings, all tucked between soft buns. Yum!
Honestly, I can’t resist piling on extra pickles and a splash of mayo. Every bite is a burst of flavor that makes you want to sing. And the best part? It’s super simple to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, chicken thighs are also great for added juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
Buttermilk: This ingredient really helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have any, you can easily make a substitute! Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a great crunch. If you’re avoiding gluten, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead. It works quite well, and I’ve used it with success before!
Spices: The seasoning mix really elevates the flavor. If you don’t have cayenne, a pinch of chili powder can add that heat. You could also experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning for a different twist!
Buns: Brioche buns are sweet and soft, which I love! However, whole wheat or even ciabatta buns will work if you want something heartier.
How Do I Get My Chicken Extra Crispy?
A crispy exterior is what makes this sandwich special! Here are a few tips to ensure you nail that crunchy coating:
- Make sure to coat the chicken well in the seasoned flour. Press it gently to help it stick. A double coating (dipping back in buttermilk and then flour) can give you an even thicker crust!
- Heat the oil properly before frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy. A good sizzle will show that it’s ready!
- Don’t crowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed, as overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making it harder to maintain that nice crunch.
With these insights, you’ll have a fantastic crispy chicken sandwich that’s sure to impress!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or your choice)
- Mayonnaise
- Dill pickle slices
- 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices of tomato
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prepping the chicken and assembling the sandwich, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the marinating time included. Easy enough, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
Start by taking a bowl and mixing together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Prepare the flour coating:
While the chicken is marinating, grab a shallow dish and mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. This will be your delicious coating for that crispy crunch!
3. Coat the chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. Let any excess buttermilk drip off before dredging each piece in the seasoned flour. Press the flour onto the chicken to help it stick. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
4. Heat the oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1/2 inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until the oil is hot, around 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
5. Fry the chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Toast the buns:
While the chicken is frying or after, gently toast the sandwich buns in a dry pan or oven until they are just golden. This adds a lovely touch to the texture of the sandwich!
7. Assemble the sandwich:
To build your sandwich, spread a layer of mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun, arrange the dill pickles, lettuce leaves, and tomato slices. Top it with the hot crispy chicken breast, and place the top bun over to finish it off.
8. Serve:
Your crispy chicken sandwich is ready! Serve it immediately with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw. Enjoy every bite of your creation!
Now, go ahead and indulge in this crispy, juicy chicken sandwich that’s layered with fresh veggies and a bit of tang from the pickles!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely first! The safest way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a couple of hours.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
For any leftover sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, it’s best to store the chicken separately from the assembled sandwich. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven or air fryer to regain its crispiness!
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and even fry it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge after frying. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the oven to crisp it back up and assemble your sandwich!
