This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a tasty treat! With a crunchy outside and juicy chicken inside, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Who can resist a golden, crispy chicken sandwich? I love stacking on my favorite toppings and even adding a bit of spicy sauce—it just makes it even more fun!
Making this sandwich is a breeze! Just coat your chicken, fry it to perfection, and pile on all the yummy extras. It’s a winner for lunch or dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this sandwich. If you’re looking for a different option, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative. Keep in mind that they may need a bit more cooking time.
Buttermilk: This is great for marinating as it helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for coating. If you want to make it gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit.
Sandwich Buns: Brioche buns lend a nice sweetness and softness, but regular hamburger buns work too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat buns are a good alternative.
Condiments: Mayonnaise is classic, but you can mix it with hot sauce for a spicy kick, or use honey mustard for a sweeter taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that nice crispy layer on your chicken is all about the coating and frying technique. Here’s how you can achieve the best results:
- **Marinate Carefully:** Let the chicken soak in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour. If time permits, overnight is even better for tenderness and flavor.
- **Coat Well:** Make sure to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the flour mixture. Press it in firmly to ensure a good crust.
- **Heat the Oil:** Use enough oil and heat it to the right temperature (about 350°F or 175°C). Too low, and the chicken will soak up oil; too high, and it may burn before cooking through.
- **Don’t Crowd the Pan:** Fry in batches if needed. Allowing space between the chicken pieces will help them crisp up better.
- **Drain Properly:** After frying, drain the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken sandwiches ready in no time!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness or split in half)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or soft hamburger buns)
- Mayonnaise (about 1/4 cup)
- 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices fresh tomato
- 8-12 pickle slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour of prep time, plus an additional 30-40 minutes for cooking. If you marinate the chicken overnight, that adds extra flavor, too! Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 1.5 hours, including time to marinate and cook the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well blended. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, making sure they are fully immersed in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or better yet, overnight if you have time—to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture and stir until evenly mixed. This will create a yummy crispy coating for the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess soak off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to cover them thoroughly. Press the flour into the chicken to ensure a well-adhered crust that will be crispy when cooked.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or deep frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of flour into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, being cautious not to crowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should read 165°F / 74°C). Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
6. Drain the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is essential to keep the chicken crispy!
7. Prepare the Buns:
While the chicken is draining, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a toaster or on a skillet until they are golden brown. Toasting adds an extra layer of flavor and helps keep them from becoming soggy.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread mayonnaise generously on both the top and bottom buns. Layer down fresh green lettuce leaves on the bottom bun, followed by tomato slices and pickle slices. Finally, place the crispy chicken breast on top, and close it off with the top bun.
9. Serve Immediately:
Serve your crispy chicken sandwich warm and enjoy the crunch, freshness, and flavors! This is perfect for lunch or a comforting dinner. Enjoy!
FAQ about Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own! Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens and curdles, then it’s ready to use!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, start by removing the toppings (like lettuce and tomato) and reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to cook it. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken when you fry it later.
