This crispy chicken sandwich is a real treat! It features juicy chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust, all nestled in a soft bun with your favorite toppings.
Honestly, who can resist a good sandwich? I love loading mine with pickles and slathering on some mayo. It’s like a delicious hug in a bun! 🤗
This recipe is super easy, too! Just season the chicken, fry it up, and you’re ready to enjoy a homemade meal that beats takeout any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this sandwich. You could substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even use plant-based options if you’re going vegetarian.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Flour Mixture: The mixture of flour, spices, and seasonings is key for that crispy coating. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. You can also add different spices for some extra flavor.
Buns: Potato buns are soft and slightly sweet, but feel free to swap them with brioche or even whole grain buns for a healthier version.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy chicken is all about coating and frying techniques. After marinating the chicken in buttermilk, it’s essential to properly coat it in the flour mixture.
- Make sure to press the flour onto the chicken for a solid coating.
- If you want an extra-crispy texture, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk then coat it with flour again for a double layer.
- Keep the oil at a stable temperature (about 350°F). Too hot, and it burns; too cool, and it won’t crisp up properly.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich buns (potato buns recommended)
- Mayonnaise
- Lettuce leaves (romaine or green leaf)
- Tomato slices
- Pickle slices
Time Needed
This delicious crispy chicken sandwich takes roughly 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. You’ll also need about 10-15 minutes for cooking and assembling the sandwiches, making the total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes (including marinating).
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with hot sauce if using. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This step ensures that the chicken stays tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour will give your chicken that crispy, flavorful coating!
3. Bread the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it down to ensure each side is well-coated. For an extra crunchy texture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). A good temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust!
5. Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil, frying them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remember not to overcrowd the pan!
6. Drain the Chicken
Once fried, remove the chicken from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
7. Prepare the Buns
If you like, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a pan or on a grill for extra flavor and texture.
8. Assemble the Sandwich
Spread mayonnaise on the top and bottom buns. Start layering with pickle slices on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and finally, the crispy chicken breast. Top it all off with the other half of the bun!
9. Serve
Your easy crispy chicken sandwich is now ready! Serve hot with your favorite sides like fries or a salad, and enjoy!
This creamy, crunchy delight is sure to be a hit with everyone—perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat!
FAQ about the Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen chicken breasts completely before marinating them. The best way to thaw is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for quicker results.
Can I Make the Chicken Sandwich Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check that your buns are also gluten-free!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and toppings separately. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy again, reheat the chicken in the oven for crispy results and assemble it fresh just before serving!
Can I Add Other Toppings to the Sandwich?
For sure! Customize your sandwich with toppings like avocado, bacon, or cheese. You can also swap the mayonnaise for ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for extra flavor!
