This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is all about that crunch! With juicy chicken, a crispy coating, and soft bread, it’s simply tasty. Plus, you can add your favorite toppings for extra fun!
Who doesn’t love a good chicken sandwich? I always pile on the pickles and a dash of hot sauce for a little extra zing. It’s a quick meal that feels like a treat any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for a tender texture. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even turkey cutlets for a lighter option.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Flour & Seasonings: All-purpose flour gives a nice crunch. You can experiment with almond flour or gluten-free flour for a different twist. Adjust spices to your taste; I love adding cayenne for more heat!
Buns: Brioche is soft and slightly sweet, but you can use whole wheat or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The choice of bun affects the overall taste.
How Can I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Achieving that crunchy exterior is all about the frying technique! Here are some tips:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C); test it by dropping a pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re ready.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; this lowers the oil temperature and can make the chicken soggy. Fry in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying. This keeps it crispy by allowing moisture to escape rather than getting soaked up by paper towels.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Assembling:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices of tomato
- Dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise or sandwich sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. Cooking will take about 15 minutes, so plan for a total of around 1 hour and 30 minutes – perfect for a weekend family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let them soak in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
2. Make the Coating:
In a separate shallow bowl, stir together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour is what will give your chicken its crispy, flavorful coating!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1 inch of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the heat by dropping in a pinch of flour – if it sizzles, it’s ready!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Then, dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to press the flour into the chicken to create a good coating.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Avoid placing too many pieces in at once to keep the oil hot and ensure even cooking.
6. Drain the Chicken:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain and cool slightly. This helps keep them crispy!
7. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast your sandwich buns while the chicken cools. This adds a nice touch and helps them hold up against the fillings!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread mayonnaise on the top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun, layer with dill pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices, then add the crispy chicken breast on top. Finally, place the bun lid on.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken sandwich immediately while it’s hot! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw is to place the chicken in the fridge overnight or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just ensure all other ingredients, including the buns and sauces, are also gluten-free!
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and even fry it up to a day ahead. Just reheat the fried chicken in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain its crispiness before assembling your sandwiches.
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
If you have leftover sandwiches, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in an oven or skillet to maintain its crispiness and assemble fresh with new vegetables and sauces!
