This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is all about flavor and crunch! With a tender chicken breast coated in a crispy breading, it’s delicious in every bite.
Honestly, it’s like a little crunch party in your mouth! Add your favorite toppings and don’t forget the sauce—it’s a winner for lunch or dinner!
I love making these sandwiches on busy days because they’re quick and easy. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, or you can just keep them all for yourself. No judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you want to reduce fat, you can use chicken thighs, which stay juicier.
Buttermilk: This is key for tenderizing and flavor. No buttermilk? Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice texture. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential for flavor. Experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper taste or add dried herbs like oregano for extra zest.
Hot Sauce: This is optional but adds a wonderful kick! If you don’t like spicy, leave it out or use a milder sauce.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crunch on My Chicken?
Getting that crispy coating is all about the breading technique and frying method. Here’s how to nail it!
- Ensure your chicken is well-marinated in buttermilk. This not only adds flavor but keeps the meat tender.
- When breading, press the flour into the chicken firmly to ensure it sticks. For that extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour.
- Heat the oil properly to about 350°F. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked. Too cool, and the coating will absorb oil, making it soggy!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches if needed.
- Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil while maintaining crispiness.
How Can I Customize My Sandwich?
This crispy chicken sandwich is great as-is, but here are some fun ways to add your flair:
- Add cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, right after frying so it melts over the chicken.
- Mix up the greens – try arugula or coleslaw for a different crunch.
- Throw in some avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- For a twist, use barbecue sauce or sriracha mayo in place of regular mayonnaise.
With these tips and tricks, you’re set to make a chicken sandwich that’s not only crispy but also full of flavor and personality. Enjoy!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or hamburger buns work well)
- Mayonnaise or sandwich sauce of choice
- Fresh leaf lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Pickle slices
Time Needed
This delicious chicken sandwich takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 30 minutes to 4 hours of marinating, depending on how long you let the chicken sit. Frying will take about 10-15 minutes. Total time might be around an hour if marinating for just 30 minutes but could take longer with extended marinating. Perfect for a tasty dinner or quick lunch!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. If you prefer, you can pound the breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking.
2. Marinate
In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Submerge the chicken cutlets in this mixture fully. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This will tenderize the chicken and add flavor!
3. Make the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful and crunchy coating!
4. Bread the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it well. To achieve extra crispiness, dip the floured chicken back in the buttermilk briefly, and coat again with the flour mixture.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan until it’s about 1/2 inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the heat by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
6. Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes on each side. To ensure they’re safe to eat, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Drain
Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
8. Toast the Buns
Give the sandwich buns a light toast in a pan or oven until they are slightly golden. This adds great texture and helps prevent them from getting soggy!
9. Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise or your chosen sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom bun with pickle slices, fresh leaf lettuce, tomato slices, followed by the crispy chicken cutlet. Finally, cap it with the top bun.
10. Serve
Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken sandwich immediately! Pair it with fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Bon appétit! Enjoy the crunchy, juicy goodness packed with fresh veggies and creamy sauce!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken. If you have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water before marinating and cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover chicken and condiments separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fried chicken can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or use an air fryer to retain crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour for a delicious, crunchy coating that is gluten-free.
What Toppings Can I Add to My Chicken Sandwich?
Feel free to get creative! Add cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack), avocado slices, sautéed onions, or even spicy jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also swap the mayonnaise for aioli or your favorite sauce!
