This easy crispy chicken sandwich is a delicious treat! With a crunchy breaded chicken breast, it’s served on a soft bun and adds lots of flavor with your favorite toppings.
Honestly, I can never resist the crunch when I take a bite. Pair it with a side of fries, and you’ve got the perfect meal. Who’s ready for a chicken sandwich feast? 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this sandwich because they fry up tender and juicy. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be a great substitute; they tend to remain moist even during frying.
Buttermilk: This is essential for marinating the chicken, as it tenderizes and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Breading Mix: The combination of all-purpose flour, spices, and baking powder creates the crispy coating. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, you want an oil with a high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil works well. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, try using an air fryer instead!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on your chicken requires a few key steps. Start by marinating your chicken in buttermilk, which makes it tender and flavorful. When it’s time to bread the chicken, make sure you coat it evenly with the flour mixture and press it down a bit to ensure it sticks well.
- Heat your oil to 350°F; too cool, and it won’t crisp up properly.
- Fry in small batches; overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Once it’s golden brown, place it on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy!
With these tips, you’re on your way to making a deliciously crispy chicken sandwich at home!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche or soft buns)
- Mayonnaise, for spreading
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- Pickle slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30-35 minutes. Additionally, marinating the chicken in buttermilk is best done for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by butterflying each chicken breast. To do this, slice them horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Then, place the chicken in a bowl and add the buttermilk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Make sure to mix it gently, then cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you have the time) to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
2. Make the Breading Mix:
In a large shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix everything together well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to cover about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Heat the oil until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oil hot enough so that the chicken fries up nicely and gets that crispy coating.
4. Bread the Chicken:
After the chicken has marinated, take it out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Once coated, set each piece aside on a plate to rest while the oil heats up.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fry the chicken! Carefully place the breaded pieces into the hot oil, fried in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Prepare Buns and Toppings:
While the chicken is frying, lightly toast the sandwich buns. Once toasted, spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns for added flavor.
7. Assemble Sandwiches:
To construct your sandwich, layer the bottom bun with pickle slices, a leaf of green lettuce, a slice of tomato, and then place the crispy chicken breast on top. Finish it off with the top bun to seal in all the delicious layers.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your crispy chicken sandwich immediately while it’s warm and crunchy! It’s perfect alongside your favorite fries or a simple salad. Bon appétit!
This crispy chicken sandwich is a delightful combo of crunchy, juicy chicken with fresh toppings all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun. It’s perfect for a satisfying and quick meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will remain juicy and flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook a bit differently than chicken breasts.
What Can I Use Instead of 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 to thicken, and it’s ready to use!
How Can I Make the Chicken Sandwich Spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading mix or add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce directly to the sandwich. Experiment with your spice level to find what works best for you!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispiness. Just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
These FAQs should help clarify any common questions or adjustments for making your Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich! Enjoy your cooking!
