This crispy fried chicken sandwich is a delicious treat that’s sure to please! With a juicy chicken breast coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s simply mouthwatering.
I love stuffing mine with pickles and slathering on some spicy mayo. It’s like a party in my mouth! Can’t resist making it on lazy weekends for a tasty brunch. 🍗🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this sandwich as they cook evenly and stay juicy. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or use pre-cooked chicken patties for a quicker prep!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This homemade version works in a pinch!
All-Purpose Flour: The main ingredient for breading. If you’re gluten-free, try using a mixture of gluten-free flour and cornstarch instead. It should still give you a nice crispy texture!
Hot Sauce: This adds a nice kick. If you’re not keen on spice, feel free to skip it. Alternatively, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can lend a different depth of flavor without the heat.
Brioche Buns: These buns are soft and sweet, making a great base. For a healthier option, switch to whole grain buns or even lettuce wraps to keep it low-carb.
How Do You Get the Chicken Really Crispy?
The key to a crispy texture lies in the breading and frying technique. Here’s how to ace it:
- Marinate Properly: Let the chicken soak in the buttermilk mixture for several hours. This step allows the moisture to penetrate, ensuring juicy chicken.
- Use a Good Coating: Mixing flour with cornstarch creates a light, crispy crunch. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it stick better.
- Rest After Breading: After breading the chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere and reduces the chances of it falling off while frying.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) is crucial. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains raw. If it’s too cold, the coating will absorb too much oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches. Overcrowding causes the temperature to drop, leading to soggy chicken.
By following these tips, you’ll get that irresistible crunch every time! Enjoy making this crispy fried chicken sandwich!
How to Make a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 brioche hamburger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp sriracha or hot sauce
- 2 leafs of green leaf lettuce
- Dill pickle slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy fried chicken sandwich recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes for cooking and assembling. If you marinate the chicken overnight, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
To ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful, lightly flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken breasts in this mixture, cover it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. For even better results, let them marinate overnight.
2. Prepare the Breading:
In a large shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that amazing crunchy coating!
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk mixture and let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring to press the coating onto the chicken to help it stick. Place the breaded chicken on a rack and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere to the chicken better when frying.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or heavy pot, pour oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer helps maintain the right temperature for crispy, non-greasy chicken.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully fry the chicken breasts one or two at a time, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). After frying, place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
6. Melt the Cheese:
After frying, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each hot chicken breast. The heat will melt the cheese slightly, adding deliciousness!
7. Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha (or hot sauce) until well combined. This spicy mayo will add an extra kick to your sandwich!
8. Toast the Buns:
Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown. This adds nice texture and flavor to your sandwich!
9. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread the spicy mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Place the fried chicken with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Top with the coleslaw mix and leaves of green lettuce. Finally, place the top bun to complete your delicious creation!
10. Serve:
Serve your crispy fried chicken sandwich immediately, alongside dill pickle slices for that extra crispy and tangy crunch. Enjoy your flavorful masterpiece!
FAQ for Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before marinating. The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight or by placing the sealed chicken in cold water for a quicker method. Never thaw chicken at room temperature.
How Can I Make This Sandwich Spicy?
To ramp up the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper to the breading mixture or opt for a spicier hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade. You can also add jalapeño slices or a spicier coleslaw mix if you like extra spice!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the bread from getting too soggy, consider storing the chicken separately from the buns and toppings. Reheat the chicken in an oven or skillet to maintain its crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to coat and fry it on the day you plan to serve the sandwiches for the best texture and flavor.
