This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a real treat! It features juicy, crunchy chicken in soft bread, making every bite super satisfying. Add your favorite toppings if you like!
Making this sandwich feels so rewarding! I love to pair it with some pickles and a dash of mayo. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun lunch. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs as they tend to be juicier. For a vegetarian version, consider using a large portobello mushroom instead.
Buttermilk: This is key for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It works just as well!
Flour Mixture: All-purpose flour is the base for the coating. If you’re gluten intolerant, try using a gluten-free flour mix. You can also add some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor or spice up your seasoning to taste.
Hot Sauce: This ingredient adds a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or omit it altogether. You can substitute it with BBQ sauce for a different vibe.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crunch is all about the coating and frying technique. Here’s a simple way to get it right:
- Make sure your chicken is well-coated in buttermilk before dredging. This helps the flour stick!
- Allow the coated chicken to rest for about 10-15 minutes before frying. This forms a better crust.
- Fry in hot oil! Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F) for frying to avoid sogginess. Test with a drop of flour; it should sizzle.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if needed to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Let the fried chicken drain on a wire rack, not on a paper towel, for maximum crispiness.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise, for spreading
- 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Dill pickle slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking, which gives you a total of about 30 minutes to enjoy a crispy chicken sandwich fresh from your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a delicious flavor and crispy texture.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it on to make sure the coating sticks. Place the coated chicken on a plate and set it aside while you heat the oil.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or deep pan, add about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. Heat it on medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a bit of the flour mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 75°C). Depending on your skillet size, you may need to fry the chicken in batches.
6. Drain the Chicken:
Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
7. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the top and bottom of each toasted bun. On the bottom bun, layer dill pickles, lettuce, tomato slices, and the crispy chicken breast. Top it off with the upper bun to finish your sandwich.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy chicken sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and crispy! Pair them with your favorite sides, and enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe produces a tasty, mouthwatering sandwich that captures the essence of a classic crispy chicken sandwich with fresh toppings and a soft bun. Perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful sandwich. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and it’s ready to use!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store leftover chicken separately from the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven for crispy results rather than using a microwave.
Can I Make This Sandwich Spicy?
Definitely! You can increase the hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade or add diced jalapeños directly to the toppings for an extra kick. You can also try a spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise with Sriracha!
