Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a beloved classic that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating. With a tangy sauce, fresh pickles, and crisp lettuce, this sandwich is a satisfying and delicious meal you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Hot sauce (or sriracha, optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 6 Chicken thighs
• 2 cups Flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• Black pepper to taste
• 1-2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add chicken thighs and make sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
2. Step 2: Bread the Chicken: In a large shallow bowl, mix flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, baking powder, and black pepper. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken for a crispy crust. Shake off excess and set aside.
3. Step 3: Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Carefully add 2–3 pieces of chicken at a time. Fry for 6–7 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt to taste, smoked paprika, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the hamburger buns. Spread the sauce on both halves of each bun. Layer with pickles, lettuce, and a piece of crispy chicken. Top with the remaining bun.
6. Step 6: Serve Immediately: Enjoy your sandwich hot for the best crunch and juiciness!

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add more hot sauce to the mayo or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the flour mix.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for easier eating and quicker cooking.
• Double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk after the first flour coat for an even crispier crust.
• Substitute the lettuce with shredded cabbage for a crunchy slaw twist.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid making the sandwich in advance to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they tend to be leaner and may not stay as juicy as thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

This Crispy Chicken Sandwich features juicy chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful seasoned flour blend, then fried to golden perfection. Topped with a tangy, spicy mayonnaise sauce, fresh lettuce, and pickles, all nestled inside toasted hamburger buns, this sandwich delivers the perfect combination of crunch, spice, and savory goodness.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 6 Chicken thighs

For the Breading

• 2 cups Flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1–2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• Black pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Hot sauce or sriracha (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice

For Assembly

• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and garlic powder until well combined. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
2. Bread the Chicken: In a separate large shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, and black pepper. Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to create a crispy crust. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Carefully add 2 to 3 pieces of chicken at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6–7 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to retain its juiciness.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce or sriracha, salt, smoked paprika, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Adjust salt and spiciness according to your taste preferences.
5. Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the hamburger buns until lightly golden. Spread the prepared spicy mayo sauce evenly on both halves of each bun. Layer the bottom bun with pickles, fresh lettuce, and a piece of the crispy fried chicken. Top with the other half of the bun.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the sandwiches hot to enjoy the best crunch and juiciness. Pair with your favorite sides or enjoy on their own.

Notes

• For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if time permits.
• Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.
• Use a thermometer when frying chicken to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Resting fried chicken after frying helps maintain juiciness and prevents sogginess.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the mayo to control the spiciness level.

Keywords: crispy chicken sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, buttermilk fried chicken, spicy mayo chicken sandwich, easy chicken sandwich