This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is everything you want for a quick meal! It features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy breading, served in a soft bun with your favorite toppings.
This sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner. I like to add some pickles and mayo, but you can customize it however you like. Enjoy your crispy creation! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless are the best choice for this sandwich. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or even pounded turkey cutlets work in a pinch!
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix a cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Flour & Seasonings: All-purpose flour is perfect here. You can try cornmeal for a crunchier texture. Adjust the spices according to your taste; adding more paprika gives it a bit more color and flavor!
Sandwich Buns: Brioche is soft and brings a nice sweetness. If unavailable, any soft burger bun or even whole grain rolls can work just as well.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
To achieve a well-crispy coating, there are a couple of steps you should focus on:
- Ensure your oil is hot enough—about 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer is handy here. If the oil isn’t hot, your chicken will absorb too much grease.
- Double-dipping the chicken—first in buttermilk, then in flour—adds extra crunch. Don’t rush this process; let it sit for a moment before frying to allow the coating to adhere better.
- Remember to avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Fry in batches to keep the oil temp steady, which also leads to a crispier finish.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche preferred)
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- Dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken sandwich takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend around 30-40 minutes total from start to finish, including frying and assembling. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it tender.
2. Set Up the Coating Stations:
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. This is where your chicken is going to get its crispy coating!
3. Dredge the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Then, dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. For extra crispiness, you can dip it back in the buttermilk and coat it again with flour.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it to reach about 350°F (175°C) or to look shimmering hot. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one to check the temperature before frying.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
6. Drain the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take them out and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps keep the breading crisp!
7. Toast the Buns:
While the chicken is draining, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a separate pan or toaster oven. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
To put it all together, spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom bun. On the bottom bun, stack a few pickle slices, a fresh leaf of lettuce, and a slice of tomato for a fresh crunch.
9. Add the Chicken:
Place the crispy fried chicken breast right on top of the tomato. Then, cover it with the top bun.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They tend to stay juicier and add extra flavor. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results.
How Can I Make This Sandwich Spicy?
If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add hot sauce to the buttermilk before marinating the chicken. You can also serve with spicy mayo or pepper jack cheese.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Sandwich in Advance?
You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk the night before and coat it just before frying. However, it’s best to fry the chicken fresh to maintain its crispy texture. Assembling the sandwich can also be done just before serving for maximum crunch!
