Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe: Homestyle Joy

Have you ever dreamed about crafting the ultimate crispy chicken sandwich that makes taste buds dance with excitement?

Crunchy breading and juicy meat create pure culinary magic on your plate.

Layers of flavor burst through each delectable bite, promising a meal that transforms an ordinary lunch into something extraordinary.

Carefully seasoned chicken gets a golden, crackling exterior that crackles with every mouthwatering crunch.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients combine with expert techniques to produce restaurant-quality deliciousness.

Crisp, tender, and packed with personality, this sandwich will become your new favorite comfort food.

Jump in and create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich That Delivers

  • Nail the Crunch: Achieve restaurant-quality crispy chicken with a perfectly seasoned flour coating that guarantees a satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this crowd-pleasing sandwich in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious meal.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like spicy mayo or different pickles to make this recipe uniquely yours, transforming a simple chicken sandwich into a personalized culinary experience.
  • Skill-Builder Recipe: Perfect for home cooks looking to improve their frying techniques, this recipe offers a straightforward method to master crispy chicken with confidence.

What Goes Into Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that serve as the main protein for the crispy sandwich.
  • Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the meat.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Create a light and crispy exterior that gives the chicken its signature crunch.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a complex and savory seasoning profile for the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the chicken coating.
Sandwich Assembly:
  • Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet bread that complements the crispy chicken.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness to the sandwich.
  • Lettuce, Pickles: Provide fresh crunch and tangy contrast to the fried chicken.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the chicken to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Gently pound chicken breasts to create an even thickness using a meat mallet.

Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Submerge the chicken in buttermilk, allowing it to marinate and tenderize for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until thoroughly blended, creating a seasoned coating that will deliver maximum crunch.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a large skillet and pour enough vegetable or canola oil to reach about 1 inch deep.

Heat the oil to 350°F, ensuring a perfect frying temperature for golden, crispy results.

Step 4: Dredge Chicken

Remove marinated chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even layer of breading.

Step 5: Fry To Perfection

Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil.

Fry each piece for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve an even, rich golden-brown exterior.

The chicken should develop a beautifully crisp, crunchy crust.

Step 6: Rest And Drain

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

This allows excess oil to drip away, maintaining the crispy texture.

Step 7: Assemble Sandwich

Toast brioche buns until lightly golden.

Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on each bun.

Layer with crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickle slices.

Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and crunchy.

Pro Tips for Crunchy Chicken Sandwich

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and maximum crispiness throughout the meat.
  • Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to add tenderness and create a flavorful, juicy base for your sandwich.
  • Mix multiple spices in your flour coating to build layers of flavor that will make your chicken extra delicious and aromatic.
  • Keep oil consistently at 350F to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust without burning or undercooking the chicken.
  • Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.

Flavor Twists on Crispy Chicken Sandwich

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery kick and bold flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Crispy Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating for an aromatic herb-forward sandwich.
  • Healthier Oven-Baked Version: Coat chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 425F for 20-25 minutes, using less oil while maintaining crispiness.

Serving Crispy Chicken Sandwich Ideas

  • Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these sandwiches in a cooler with chilled coleslaw and crisp potato chips for an outdoor lunch adventure.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Drizzle hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat and give your sandwich an extra flavor punch.
  • Burger Night Alternative: Swap traditional burgers with these crispy chicken sandwiches for a delightful family dinner that breaks the routine.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare extra chicken breasts and store in an airtight container for quick weekday lunches or grab-and-go meals.

How to Store Crispy Chicken Sandwich

  • Store leftover chicken sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain crispiness.
  • Preheat oven to 375F. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.
  • Keep chicken, buns, and toppings separate when storing to prevent sogginess. Reassemble fresh when ready to eat for best texture and flavor.
  • Wrap unassembled crispy chicken tightly in freezer-safe wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in oven until heated through.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy and tender?

Soaking the chicken in buttermilk before frying helps break down proteins, making the meat more tender and locking in moisture during the cooking process.

  • Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for extra heat, or include a spicy mayo by mixing hot sauce or sriracha into the mayonnaise.

  • What's the best oil for frying chicken?

Vegetable or canola oil works best because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing the chicken’s seasoning to shine through.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy.

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Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy chicken sandwich lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering recipe delivers golden-brown perfection between perfectly toasted buns. Crunchy exterior, juicy interior, and a harmonious blend of flavors make this sandwich an irresistible meal you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Cooking and Serving Ingredients:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Lettuce
  • Pickles
  • Mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
  2. Generously season chicken with salt and pepper, then submerge in buttermilk for deep flavor infusion and tenderizing, letting it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  3. Create a seasoned coating by combining flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow container.
  4. Warm cooking oil in a large skillet to precisely 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal frying.
  5. Carefully extract chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the spiced flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete and even coverage.
  6. Gently lower coated chicken into hot oil, frying for 4-5 minutes per side until exterior achieves a rich golden-brown color and develops a satisfyingly crisp exterior.
  7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  8. Toast brioche buns until lightly golden, then spread mayonnaise on each side for additional flavor and moisture.
  9. Construct sandwich by layering crisp chicken, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickles between prepared buns, serving immediately while chicken remains hot and crunchy.

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and tender meat throughout the sandwich.
  • Marinate chicken in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and deeper flavor absorption, letting the acids break down proteins.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt exterior while guaranteeing fully cooked chicken.
  • Customize spice blend by adding cayenne for heat, smoked paprika for depth, or dried herbs like thyme for extra complexity.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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