This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is all about that crunchy goodness! With juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy coating, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Everyone loves a good sandwich, and this one is no exception. I often add my favorite toppings—think lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of sauce. Yum! 😋
Making this sandwich is a breeze. Just season, coat, and fry the chicken, then stack it all up. Quick and delicious for any meal or snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier and can be more flavorful.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is great for marinating the chicken, making it tender. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates a nice coating. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, or even gluten-free flour if you need to avoid gluten.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add flavor. Feel free to adjust this based on your taste or add spices like cayenne for a spicy kick!
Buns: Brioche buns are my favorite for their softness and slight sweetness. You could also use whole grain or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
How Do I Get My Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that extra crispy chicken! The key is in the coating process. After soaking the chicken in buttermilk, dredge it in seasoned flour. For even more crunch, dip it back into the buttermilk and repeat the flour coating. This double coating is a game changer!
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F). This keeps the chicken from absorbing too much oil.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature.
Let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate after frying to let excess oil drain. This keeps your sandwich perfectly crisp!
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 large egg
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche or soft hamburger buns)
- 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating the chicken (up to 2 hours if you have the time). The cooking time will be about 10 minutes, so you can expect to enjoy your crispy chicken sandwich in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If your chicken breasts are thick, slice each breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick). This helps them cook evenly and be extra juicy.
2. Marinate:
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. This process helps to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
3. Prep the Flour Mix:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour will give your chicken that perfect crispy coating.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. For an extra crunchy coating, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk for a second and final coat of flour.
5. Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to fill about 1–1.5 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
6. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Drain:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
8. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken is draining, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a skillet or toaster until they are golden brown and warm.
9. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Then, layer on the dill pickles, green leaf lettuce, tomato slices, and finish with the crispy fried chicken. Top with mayonnaise on the upper bun and place it on top.
10. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your homemade easy crispy chicken sandwich while it’s hot and crunchy! Perfect for lunch or dinner!
This recipe delivers a juicy and crunchy chicken sandwich layered with fresh toppings and creamy mayo, making it a delightful meal any time of the day!
FAQ about Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s important to fully thaw the chicken before starting! Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quicker option. Make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before marinating.
How Can I Make the Chicken Even Crispier?
For an extra crispy texture, double coat the chicken. After the initial dredge in the seasoned flour, dip it back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mix. Additionally, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for frying, as this prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Can I Make the Chicken Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can fry the chicken breasts in advance, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up before assembling your sandwich.
What Are Some Good Toppings or Sauces I Can Use?
Besides mayonnaise, you can experiment with different sauces like hot sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. Toppings like avocado, bacon, or even coleslaw can add extra flavor and texture to your sandwich!
