This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is your new favorite meal! With a crunchy golden-brown coating and a juicy chicken inside, it’s sure to make your taste buds sing.
I love to pile on the toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, and a bit of mayo make it perfect! Seriously, it’s so good you might just be tempted to have seconds. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. However, you can use thighs if you prefer dark meat. They remain juicy and are often more flavorful.
Buttermilk: This ingredient is key for marinating and tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add great flavor. Feel free to adjust them to your taste. If you like a different kick, try adding cayenne pepper or your favorite spice blend instead!
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for coating. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Buns: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, but any burger buns will do! Whole wheat or sourdough buns can be delicious substitutes as well.
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Every Time?
To achieve that irresistible crunch, follow these essential steps:
- Marinating: Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour but preferably 2-4 hours. This tenderizes the meat and adds moisture, ensuring it stays juicy when fried.
- Coating: When dredging the marinated chicken in flour, press the flour onto the chicken. This helps create a thick, crispy layer during frying.
- Resting: Allow the coated chicken to sit for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and leads to a crunchier finish.
- Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Drain: Once you’ve fried the chicken, place it on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain that crispy texture!
Use these tips, and your crispy chicken sandwich will impress everyone! Enjoy!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche or soft hamburger buns)
- Mayonnaise
- Leaf lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Pickle slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1-4 hours for marinating the chicken (the longer, the better!). Cooking the chicken will take an additional 15-20 minutes. So, all in all, you can make this crispy chicken sandwich within an hour or so if you plan ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best results, leaving it for 2-4 hours will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with a little pinch of salt and pepper. This will help season the coating that makes your chicken crispy!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing on the flour to ensure it sticks nicely. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. This will help set the crust for frying!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or skillet, pour vegetable oil until it’s about 1.5 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a kitchen thermometer can help ensure the oil is just right for frying.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If needed, fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
6. Drain:
Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep your chicken crispy!
7. Toast the Buns:
While your chicken is draining, toast the sandwich buns lightly in a dry pan or toaster until golden brown. This adds a little crunch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Time to put it all together! Spread mayonnaise generously on the bottom half of each bun. Add a few pickle slices, a fresh leaf of lettuce, and 2-3 slices of ripe tomato. Place the crispy chicken breast on top, then add a little more mayonnaise to the top half of the bun, if desired. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken sandwich, piled high with fresh toppings for a perfect bite every time!
FAQ About the Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to substitute them for the breasts if you prefer dark meat.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. This helps maintain its crispy texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just coat and fry it on the day you plan to serve the sandwiches for the best flavor and crunch!
