Chicken Sandwich Recipe: Best Ever, Juicy, Crispy & Easy!
Are you looking for the perfect crispy chicken sandwich recipe? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why This Crispy Chicken Sandwich is the Best
- Crispy Exterior, Juicy Interior: Experience the perfect balance of textures with every bite—crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: Our buttermilk-based marinade locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with irresistible flavor, ensuring it’s both tender and delicious.
- Homemade is Always Better: Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, this crispy chicken sandwich is a homemade masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.
Time Preparation Table
| Step | Time |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Marinating Time | 2 hours (or overnight) |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 35 minutes |
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Preparation
- 3 medium chicken breasts
- 1.5 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Coating Mix for Crunchy Chicken Sandwich
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Frying
- 1 inch of canola or vegetable oil
For Assembling
- Toasted buns with butter
- Fry sauce (mayo + ketchup)
- Pickles (dill or sweet, per preference)
- Curly green lettuce
- Thick slices of tomato
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fried Chicken Sandwich
Now that you’re ready to dive in, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for making the perfect fried chicken sandwich. From prepping the chicken to assembling the sandwich, we’ll guide you through each step to ensure crispy, juicy results every time!
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise.
- Pound the cutlets to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or similar tool.
2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
- Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and seasonings in a medium mixing bowl.
- Submerge the chicken in the marinade, ensuring full coverage.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Make the Seasoned Breading Chicken Sandwich
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
4. Coat the Chicken
- Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Generously coat the chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly for a thick, shaggy coating.
5. Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Fry two cutlets at a time, maintaining an oil temperature of 300–325°F.
- Cook for 3 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to monitor both the oil and chicken.
- Crispiness Hack: Rest the chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels, to retain crispiness.
- Toast Those Buns: Buttered, toasted buns elevate the sandwich’s flavor.
Assembling the Simply Chicken Sandwich
- Spread fry sauce generously on both the top and bottom buns.
- Layer pickles, lettuce, and tomato on the bottom bun.
- Add the crispy chicken cutlet.
- Top with the toasted bun and serve immediately.
What to Serve With Your Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Now that your crispy chicken sandwich is ready, let’s talk about the perfect sides to complete your meal. From classic favorites to fresh twists, here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside your sandwich for a truly satisfying feast!
Side Dishes
- French Fries: Classic crispy fries are a favorite.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and slightly sweet alternative.
- Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch to complement the sandwich.
- Potato Salad: creamy and satisfying.
- Onion Rings: Crunchy and flavorful rings are a great side.
Salads
- Green Salad: A light, leafy salad balances the richness of the sandwich.
- Caesar Salad: Creamy and flavorful, it pairs well with chicken.
- Pasta Salad: Perfect for a filling and flavorful side.
Soups
- Tomato Soup: Warm and comforting, ideal with a sandwich.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Complements the chicken in the sandwich.
Beverages
- Lemonade: refreshing and zesty.
- Iced Tea: A chilled classic to pair with a hearty meal.
Desserts
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A sweet end to the meal.
- Fruit Salad: Light and fresh for dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Even the best recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful! To ensure your crispy chicken sandwich turns out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to watch out for—and how to fix them:
1. Skipping the Brine or Marinade
Mistake: Firstly, do not brine or marinate the chicken.
Why It Matters: Brining (soaking in salt water) or marinating keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Skipping this step can lead to dry, bland chicken.
Fix: Brine your chicken for at least 1-2 hours or marinate it overnight in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
2. Using the Wrong Oil Temperature
Mistake: Frying at too high or too low heat.
Why It Matters: Too hot, and the coating burns before the chicken cooks through. Too low, and the chicken absorbs too much oil, becoming greasy.
Fix: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and a golden crust.
3. Overcrowding the Pan
Mistake: Add too many chicken pieces to the frying pan or fryer at once.
Why It Matters: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken.
Fix: Fry in small batches to maintain consistent heat and crispiness.
4. Not Seasoning the Coating
Mistake: Forgetting to season the flour or breading mixture.
Why It Matters: The coating is where much of the flavor originates. Without proper seasoning, your sandwich will taste bland.
Fix: Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite spices to the flour mixture.
5. Skipping the Double Dredge
Mistake: Only coat the chicken once in flour or breading.
Why It Matters: A single coat may not give you that extra crispy, crunchy texture you want.
Fix: Dip the chicken in flour, then egg wash, then flour again (or breadcrumbs) for a thicker, crispier crust.
6. Using the Wrong Bun
Mistake: Choosing a bun that’s too soft or too dense.
Why It Matters: A soft bun can get soggy, while a dense bun can overpower the chicken.
Fix: Opt for a sturdy yet soft bun, like brioche or a potato roll, and lightly toast it to prevent sogginess.
7. Overloading with Toppings
Mistake: Adding too many toppings or sauces.
Why It Matters: While toppings like lettuce, pickles, and sauce are delicious, too much can overwhelm the chicken and make the sandwich messy to eat.
Fix: Keep it simple—stick to 2-3 toppings and use sauces sparingly.
8. Not Resting the Chicken
Mistake: Serving the chicken immediately after frying.
Why It Matters: Cutting into the chicken too soon can cause the juices to run out, leaving it dry.
Fix: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack to lock in moisture and keep the coating crispy.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to making the best crispy chicken sandwich ever—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crunchy every time!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this crispy chicken sandwich recipe brings you the best of both worlds: restaurant-quality flavor with the simplicity of homemade cooking.
Featuring juicy, tender chicken, a perfectly golden crunch, and fresh toppings piled onto toasted buns, every bite is a flavor-packed delight. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, this chicken sandwich recipe is sure to become your new go-to favorite.
Ready to create this mouthwatering masterpiece? Follow this easy crispy chicken sandwich recipe and impress your family and friends with a meal they won’t forget. Don’t forget to share your results, tag us in your creations, and let us know how your delicious chicken sandwich recipe turned out. Happy cooking!
