Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which stay juicy and flavorful. For a plant-based alternative, try using a thick slice of eggplant or a commercial meat substitute.

Buttermilk: This ingredient is great for tenderizing chicken and adding flavor. No buttermilk? Just mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to make an easy substitute.

Flour & Cornstarch: All-purpose flour gives the crispy texture, while cornstarch helps keep it crunchy. You can try using gluten-free flour or a 1:1 baking mix for gluten-free options.

Brioche Buns: These are soft and slightly sweet, which works well with the crispy chicken. If you’re after a lighter option, whole wheat or sesame seed buns work nicely too.

How Can I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?

The key to a crunchy coating lies in the dredging and frying process. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is perfectly crispy:

• Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour in buttermilk to enhance tenderness and flavor.
• Press the chicken into the flour mixture well after dredging to ensure better adherence.
• Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding can make the coating soggy.
• Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring a crisp finish.

Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (divided)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

For The Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

For Frying and Assembling:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 brioche sandwich buns
• Mayonnaise or sandwich sauce of choice
• 4 leaves of green leaf lettuce
• 4 slices of tomato
• Dill pickle slices

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious crispy chicken sandwich will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. You’ll need an additional 15-20 minutes to fry and assemble. Total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but trust me, the results are worth it!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

First, butterfly the chicken breasts or gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking. This step will help the chicken cook through properly and stay tender.

2. Marinate in Buttermilk:

In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with half of the salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even better, for 3-4 hours. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful!

3. Prepare the Coating:

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a perfect crispy crust.

4. Heat the Oil:

In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to cover at least half of the chicken pieces while frying.

5. Dredge the Chicken:

Once marinated, take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken well to ensure it sticks.

6. Fry the Chicken:

Fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7. Toast the Buns:

While the chicken is frying, you can lightly toast the brioche buns to give them a nice texture.

8. Assemble Your Sandwich:

Spread mayonnaise or your favorite sandwich sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Then, start building your sandwich by adding lettuce, pickles, tomato slices, and of course, the crispy fried chicken.

9. Serve It Up:

Combine the two halves and serve your delicious crispy chicken sandwich immediately. Enjoy every bite of your homemade creation!

Bon appétit! Your tender, juicy, and crispy chicken sandwich is ready to be devoured, packed with fresh veggies and delightful flavors!

FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating. The best way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker results.

What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk!

How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Crispy When Assembling the Sandwich?

To keep your chicken crispy, try not to stack the assembled sandwiches too soon. Assemble just before serving, and consider serving the sauce on the side instead of spreading it all over the chicken. This way, the coating remains crunchy!

How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?

If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken and assembled sandwiches separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay crispy in a container lined with paper towels. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste!