This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a winner! Juicy chicken is coated in a crunchy layer of breading, making each bite satisfying. Topped with fresh lettuce and your favorite sauce, it’s pure comfort food.
You can whip this up in no time, and trust me, it’s so good that you might start a “Chicken Sandwich Night” at home! I love serving mine with crispy fries on the side—yummy! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You can also use thighs for a juicier bite. If you’re short on chicken, turkey cutlets work too!
Buttermilk: It’s great for marinating and tenderizing. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for breading. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Like a bit of spice? Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix!
Sandwich Buns: Brioche or potato buns are my favorites for their softness and slight sweetness. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns are good substitutions if preferred!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
The secret to crispy chicken is all in the breading and frying process. Make sure to dredge the marinated chicken well in the seasoned flour mixture. Pressing it slightly ensures a good coat that sticks.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (350°F). If it’s too low, the chicken will soak up oil. Too high can burn the coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for that perfect golden color. If they’re crowded, the temperature drops and can make them soggy.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of directly on paper towels. This avoids steam that could cause the breading to lose its crispiness.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
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
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns, preferably brioche or potato buns
- 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- Dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious chicken sandwich will take you about 20 minutes of hands-on prep time. However, you should consider marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably longer, for the best flavor. In total, you may need around 2 to 3 hours including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Chicken:
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. If they’re thick, pound them gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking, aiming for about a 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Marinate:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce if you’re using it. Submerge the chicken cutlets in this mixture—make sure they’re well covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but letting them sit for 2-3 hours makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
3. Prepare Breading:
In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together so that your chicken will have a nice flavorful coating.
4. Dredge Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Now, coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure it sticks well.
5. Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour in about 1 to 1.5 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is important for getting that perfect crispy texture!
6. Fry Chicken:
Carefully add your breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil—make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once fried, take them out and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Toast Buns:
While the chicken is frying, you can lightly toast your sandwich buns. Just place them in a dry skillet or oven until they are golden and warm.
8. Assemble Sandwich:
Now, it’s time to build your sandwich! Spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun, layer some dill pickle slices, fresh lettuce, and tomato slices. Finally, place your crispy fried chicken on top, and cap it off with the top bun.
9. Serve:
Your delicious, homemade crispy chicken sandwich is ready! Serve it up immediately with your favorite sides like fries or a simple salad. Enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite!
This sandwich combines the perfect crunch with juicy chicken, fresh crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and ripe tomatoes, all nestled in a soft toasted bun. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, but the process remains the same!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Buns?
Yes, you can definitely use whole wheat or gluten-free buns if you prefer! Both options will work well for holding all that delicious filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the components separate to maintain texture. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer for crispiness!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using!
