This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich is a juicy delight! Imagine a perfectly breaded chicken fillet, golden and crunchy, nestled in a soft bun with your favorite toppings.
I love piling on fresh lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you happy and maybe a little messy, and that’s part of the fun! 🍗🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. If you want a lighter option, you can use turkey cutlets!
Buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a great texture. You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, but the texture might vary.
Hot Sauce: This is optional, but I suggest it for a bit of heat. You can substitute with your favorite hot sauce or omit it for a milder sandwich.
How Do I Get My Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy exterior, pay attention to the dredging process. Here’s a step-by-step:
- After marinating, let the excess buttermilk drip off; too much will prevent the flour from sticking.
- Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- For ultimate crunch, double dredge: dip back into the buttermilk, then back into the flour before frying.
- Once you add the chicken to hot oil, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if needed, as too much chicken will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Remember, cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
How to Make a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche or pretzel sandwich buns
- Mayonnaise (about 1/2 cup)
- Pickle slices (around 8 slices)
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Fresh green herbs, such as basil or parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This delicious crispy fried chicken sandwich will take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish. The marinating process can take longer if you leave it overnight, but it’s worth the wait to enhance the flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken thighs or breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce if you’re using it. Submerge the chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to let the flavors soak in nicely.
3. Prepare the Breading:
While the chicken is marinating, grab another large bowl and mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful coating for your chicken!
4. Dredge the Chicken:
After marinating, take out the chicken and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Now, dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. For an extra crispy texture, you can double dredge by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture!
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying them for about 6–8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain off any excess oil.
6. Make the Coleslaw:
In a bowl, toss the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots together. Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated. This adds a fresh crunch to your sandwich!
7. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast the brioche or pretzel buns in a skillet or oven until they are golden brown. This step helps them hold up against the juicy chicken and toppings!
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom of each toasted bun. Add the crispy fried chicken, followed by a big scoop of coleslaw and some pickle slices. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. Cap it off with the top bun.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sandwiches immediately while they are warm and crispy. They make for a perfect meal where every bite is a satisfying crunch paired with creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried chicken sandwich!
FAQ for Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking! Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results or use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using—it will work just as well!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep it crispy, rather than using the microwave, which can make it soggy.
Can I Make the Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the ingredients. It pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken!
