This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a tasty treat that features a crunchy chicken patty, fresh lettuce, and wonderful sauce all between soft buns. Perfect for a quick meal!
You can whip this up in no time, and trust me, it tastes way better than fast food! I love adding a slice of cheese on top—who can resist that melty goodness? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for easy cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey cutlets instead. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey may cook faster!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes; it works just as well for tenderizing the chicken.
Flour Mixture: All-purpose flour is key here, but you could replace some of it with cornstarch for an extra crispy finish. Gluten-free all-purpose flour is a good substitute if you need a gluten-free option.
Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add great taste. Feel free to switch out or add spices like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika if you want a different flavor twist!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
For an extra crispy chicken, there are a few tricks to keep in mind:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F). This helps seal in the moisture and creates a golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry one or two pieces at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
- After frying, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This drains excess oil while keeping the coating crispy!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice as substitute)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill 1 inch in skillet)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns, preferably brioche or soft hamburger buns
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 4 slices tomato
- Dill pickle slices
- Mayonnaise (about ½ cup, for spreading)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation (including marinating the chicken) and about 15 minutes for cooking. So, in total, expect to spend around 45 minutes to make 4 delicious crispy chicken sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Make sure they’re fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with moisture!
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Make sure it’s well combined—this will create a flavorful crust!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet (cast iron works great!), pour in enough vegetable oil to fill about 1 inch high. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is hot—around 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping in a little of the flour mixture; if it bubbles, you’re good to go!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Taking the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk, let any excess drip off before dredging in the flour mixture. Make sure to press the flour onto both sides of each piece, aiming for a nice even coating.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.
6. Drain:
Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil while keeping it crispy.
7. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you like, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a skillet or on a baking sheet in the oven until they are golden and warm.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread mayonnaise generously on both the top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun, place dill pickle slices, a crispy lettuce leaf, and a slice of tomato. Top it off with the hot crispy chicken breast and then cap with the top bun.
9. Serve Immediately:
Your homemade easy crispy chicken sandwich is ready! Serve warm and crispy to enjoy the best flavors. Happy eating!
This recipe yields 4 hearty sandwiches—perfect for a delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely first! For even cooking, refrigerate overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, follow the marination step as usual.
What Are Some Good Substitutions 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 lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly—this will work perfectly for marinating the chicken!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, it’s best to keep the chicken separate from the buns and toppings, and reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to crisp it back up.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the bun, are also gluten-free!
