Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Irresistibly Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe For Home Chefs

Crafting the ultimate crispy chicken sandwich brings pure culinary joy to anyone seeking a mouthwatering meal.

Restaurants can’t compete with homemade magic like this delectable creation.

Crunchy breading and perfectly seasoned meat promise an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Juicy chicken nestled between soft, pillowy bread becomes an irresistible comfort classic.

Crisp layers of texture and rich seasonings make this sandwich a true crowd-pleaser.

Simple ingredients and smart techniques help you master this delightful dish.

We challenge you to elevate your kitchen skills and savor every incredible moment of deliciousness.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich To Enjoy

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality sandwich with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner option.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily swap seasonings or toppings to match personal taste preferences and keep the meal exciting every time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers that irresistible crispy texture and bold flavor that appeals to both kids and adults at casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides the base for the crispy sandwich and absorbs the delicious marinade.
Marinade and Binders:
  • Buttermilk, Eggs: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor, while eggs help the coating stick to the meat.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • Flour, Cornstarch, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A perfect blend of dry ingredients that creates a crispy, flavorful exterior with a mix of spices and texture enhancers.
Sandwich Components:
  • Bun, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Pickles, Mayonnaise: Fresh toppings and condiments that add crunch, moisture, and additional layers of flavor to complete the sandwich.
Cooking Medium:
  • Oil: Provides the medium for frying and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.

How To Make Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until uniformly thin, creating an even surface for perfect coating.

Step 2: Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken in buttermilk, allowing it to soak and soften for half an hour, which helps tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Crunchy Coating

Create a flavor-packed breading mixture with:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well combined for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Coating

Dunk each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece into beaten eggs, then generously roll in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Sizzle and Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place breaded chicken and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a delightful crispy exterior.

Step 6: Build Your Sandwich

Layer toasted bun with crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy pickles, and creamy mayonnaise or your preferred condiment for a mouthwatering meal.

Tips For Crispy Chicken Sandwich Perfection

  • Pound chicken breasts gently to ensure even cooking and prevent tearing, creating a perfectly uniform thickness for consistent crispiness.
  • Let chicken marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and infuse extra flavor into the meat.
  • Add extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a personalized flavor kick that elevates the sandwich.
  • Maintain consistent medium-high heat around 350°F to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning the chicken.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Variations To Explore With Crispy Chicken Sandwich

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture for a fiery flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a low-carb bun or lettuce wrap for a carb-conscious alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk and use egg-free mayo for those with dairy sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions For Crispy Chicken Sandwich

  • Flavor Burst Sandwich Companions: Pair your crispy chicken sandwich with tangy coleslaw or crisp dill pickle chips for added crunch and zest.
  • Sauce Adventure Station: Create a DIY sauce bar with spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or classic ranch to let everyone customize their sandwich experience.
  • Sidekick Selections: Serve alongside golden french fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal with delicious complementary textures.
  • Party Platter Potential: Slice sandwiches into smaller portions for game day appetizers or casual gatherings, making them perfect finger-food for sharing with friends.

Storage Tips For Crispy Chicken Sandwich

  • Store leftover crispy chicken sandwich in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each sandwich separately in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
  • Carefully wrap individual chicken pieces in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate chicken from bun and toppings before freezing.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes, turning once to ensure even warming. Add fresh bun and toppings after reheating to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

  • How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Double-dredge the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture twice. This creates an extra thick, crunchy coating that ensures maximum crispiness when fried.

  • What's the secret to tender chicken?

Marinating in buttermilk helps break down the proteins, making the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

  • Can I bake instead of frying?

While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to help maintain crispiness.

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Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mouthwatering crispy chicken sandwich elevates classic comfort food with golden-brown panko-crusted chicken nestled between pillowy brioche buns. Zesty sauce and fresh toppings complete this irresistible meal that will satisfy intense cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts

Breading and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Coating:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups oil for frying

Sandwich Toppings:

  • 4 buns
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 tomato slices
  • 4 pickle slices
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Tenderize chicken breasts using a meat mallet until uniformly flat, approximately 1/2-inch thick.
  2. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to soak and absorb flavors for half an hour at room temperature.
  3. Create a seasoned coating by combining flour, cornstarch, and dry spices in a wide, shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
  4. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl to prepare for dredging process.
  5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off, then dip each piece into beaten eggs.
  6. Thoroughly coat the egg-covered chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help breading adhere completely.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
  8. Carefully lower breaded chicken into hot oil, frying 4-5 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
  10. Layer toasted bun with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, tangy pickles, and creamy condiment of choice.
  11. Place crispy chicken atop prepared bun and serve immediately while still hot and crunchy.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or tough meat.
  • Buttermilk marinade helps break down proteins, making the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.
  • Use a digital thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
  • Customize the spice blend by adjusting paprika, garlic, and onion powder to match personal flavor preferences or dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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