This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser! It features juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breading, served on a soft bun with your favorite toppings.
You can’t go wrong with this sandwich! I love adding lettuce and pickles for a fresh crunch. Plus, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when I want something crispy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps things simple and lean. You could substitute thighs if you prefer a juicier piece. They can bring more flavor to the sandwich!
Buttermilk: It’s key for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk.
Flour and Cornstarch: The combination helps create a crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch alone for a lighter, crunchier texture.
Spices: The smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring great flavor. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or leaving out the cayenne altogether. You might also try other spices that you love!
Buns: While brioche buns are delicious and buttery, using whole wheat or gluten-free buns would provide a healthier option. Choose what suits your taste or dietary needs.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on your chicken takes a little care. Here’s what to focus on:
- Marinate in buttermilk to tenderize and flavor the chicken. The longer, the better—overnight is optimal!
- Double coat your chicken. After the initial coating in flour, dip it back in buttermilk, then the flour again. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Fry at the right temperature. Use a thermometer to check your oil is around 350°F (175°C). Too low, and it won’t crisp properly; too high, and you risk burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed. This keeps the oil temperature consistent and helps in achieving even crispiness.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a wonderfully crispy chicken sandwich every time!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flattened to about 1/2 inch thickness
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 soft sandwich buns, preferably brioche or potato buns
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- 8-12 dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise or your preferred sandwich sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
The preparation time is about 15 minutes, but remember to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or better yet, overnight. Cooking the chicken will take around 10-12 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes if marinating overnight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be the crispy coating for your chicken.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or heavy pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. For an extra crispy coating, dip it back into the buttermilk, then coat it in the flour mixture again.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully drop the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
6. Drain the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken is draining, lightly toast the sandwich buns until they are golden brown.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom and top halves of the buns. Layer the bottom bun with pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices, then add the crispy fried chicken on top. Finally, place the top bun over the chicken.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and crispy! Enjoy your delicious homemade crispy chicken sandwiches!
This recipe yields approximately 4 sandwiches, perfect for a tasty lunch or dinner with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely first! Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or by submerging it in cold water until fully thawed. Pat it dry before marinating to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and coat it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. The cooked chicken is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore some crispiness.
How Do I Ensure a Crispy Coating?
To achieve a crispy coating, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice. Additionally, make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to maintain the oil temperature.
What Toppings Can I Use?
You can customize your toppings to your liking! Feel free to add sliced avocado, cheese, or your favorite sauces like BBQ, ranch, or sriracha mayo. Get creative with ingredients you enjoy!
