This easy crispy chicken sandwich is a real winner! With a juicy chicken breast coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
You can dress it up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple with just some mayo. I love making it on busy days when I need something quick and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they keep the sandwich lean. You can use thighs for added flavor and juiciness, and they tend to be more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This works just as well!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for the crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend or almond flour. Just be aware that the texture might vary a bit.
Spices: The spices add a lot of flavor. You can switch smoked paprika with regular paprika or even chili powder for a different kick. Adjust the amount of cayenne based on your heat tolerance!
Buns: I recommend using soft sandwich buns, but you can substitute with whole grain or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
How to Get the Perfect Crunch?
Creating a crispy coating is all about the preparation and frying technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness; this helps it cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Don’t skip marinating in buttermilk—it makes the chicken moist and flavorful.
- For the coating, dredging in flour after the egg wash helps create that crispy layer. Be sure to press the flour onto the chicken.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F. Too hot causes burning; too low results in sogginess. Use a thermometer if possible!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps keep the oil temperature steady, leading to a better crunch.
By following these tips, your crispy chicken sandwich will turn out delicious every time!
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
For the Sandwich:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 sandwich buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise or sandwich sauce
- Leafy green lettuce leaves
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- Pickle slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crispy chicken sandwich takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes to cook. If you marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes, you can expect the total time to be around 45 minutes. Letting it marinate longer (up to 4 hours) can deepen the flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until they reach about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and juicy results!
2. Marinate:
In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together. Submerge the chicken breasts in this mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, allowing them to marinate for up to 4 hours will enhance their tenderness and flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine the spices into the flour.
4. Egg Wash:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth. This egg wash will help the flour stick to the chicken and create that crunchy coating!
5. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dip each piece into the egg wash first, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the surface. This step is key for a crispy finish—set aside once coated!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or frying pan, pour in vegetable oil to about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test the heat by dropping a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
7. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
8. Drain:
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy!
9. Assemble the Sandwich:
Take your toasted buns and spread mayonnaise or your favorite sandwich sauce on the inside of both. On the bottom bun, layer pickle slices, then add the leafy lettuce, tomato slices, and finally the crispy chicken. Place the top bun to finish it off!
10. Serve:
Enjoy your sandwich immediately while it’s still hot and crispy! Pair it with your favorite chips, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your juicy, crispy chicken sandwich with all the fresh, crunchy veggies and a flavorful crust!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them first! Thaw chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. This ensures even cooking and prevents the breading from becoming soggy.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 4 hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to coat and fry it. This extra marinating time helps enhance flavor and tenderness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwich components separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fried chicken can last up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make This Sandwich Spicier?
Yes! You can adjust the spice level by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating. Adding some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy aioli can also amp up the heat. Just taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spice!
