Fried chicken sandwich is a comfort food – crispy, juicy chicken tucked between soft buns with your favorite toppings that is deeply satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fried chicken sandwich recipe is:
- Crispy and Flavorful: Thanks to a perfectly seasoned batter and frying technique.
- Juicy Inside, Crunchy Outside: Brined chicken locks in moisture while creating a crunchy crust.
- Customizable: Add your own spin with toppings and sauces.
- Restaurant-Quality: Made with simple ingredients in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well if pounded to an even thickness.
- Buttermilk: For tenderizing and adding tang to the chicken.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for bold flavor.
- Flour: The base for a golden, crunchy crust.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the breading.
- Eggs: For binding the flour mixture to the chicken.
- Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying.
- Buns: Brioche buns are the gold standard, but potato or sesame buns work too.
- Toppings: Lettuce, pickles, slaw, or even spicy mayo.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk and seasonings for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with flavor.
- Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, back into the buttermilk, and then into the flour again. This double layer ensures a thick, crispy crust.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Fry at 350°F (175°C) to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend.
- Lightly butter and toast the buns for added flavor and to prevent sogginess from the toppings.
Variations to Try
- Classic Southern-Style
- Add a layer of tangy coleslaw and serve with pickles for a Southern flair.
- Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Add extra cayenne or use hot sauce in the marinade. Top with spicy mayo for added heat.
- Asian-Inspired Twist
- Marinate the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve with sriracha mayo and a cucumber slaw.
- Nashville Hot Chicken
- Toss the fried chicken in a hot chili oil blend and pair with a creamy ranch or blue cheese sauce.
- Plant-Based Option
- Use a breaded and fried cauliflower steak or a store-bought plant-based chicken alternative.
How to Serve Your Fried Chicken Sandwich
The magic of the fried chicken sandwich lies in its balance of textures and flavors. Here’s how to serve it perfectly:
- Assembled Fresh
- Layer crispy chicken on toasted buns with a generous slathering of sauce. Add lettuce for crunch, pickles for tang, and slaw for freshness.
- Pairings
- Side Dishes: French fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.
- Beverages: Serve with lemonade, iced tea, or craft beer for a complete meal.
- Presentation
- Wrap in parchment paper for a casual vibe or plate with a side of fries for a restaurant-style experience.
Storing and Reheating Fried Chicken Sandwiches
- Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store the fried chicken and buns separately in airtight containers. Chicken stays fresh for 2–3 days.
- Freezing Tips
- Let the fried chicken cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating
- Oven: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes for crispy results.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use as a last resort; it softens the crust.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the Best Cut of Chicken for a Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Boneless chicken thighs are the best for juiciness, but breasts work if pounded evenly.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Crispy?
Fry at the correct oil temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan. Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
Can I Bake the Chicken Instead?
Yes, bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until crispy. Spray with oil before baking.
What Sauces Work Best?
Classic choices include spicy mayo, ranch, honey mustard, or even a creamy chipotle sauce.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Fried chicken sandwich is a comfort food - crispy, juicy chicken tucked between soft buns with your favorite toppings that is deeply satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp paprika, salt
- ½ tsp onion powder, garlic powder, white pepper, cayenne pepper
Breading:
- 1¾ cups flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp baking powder, oregano, salt
- ½ tsp onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sandwich:
- 4 toasted burger buns
- Shredded lettuce
- Bread & butter pickles
Honey Sriracha Mayo:
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp honey, pickle juice, sriracha
Instructions
- Flatten each chicken thigh with a mallet or rolling pin under cling film to ensure even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Mix buttermilk with paprika, salt, onion and garlic powders, white pepper, and cayenne. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Bring to room temp 30 minutes before cooking.
- Combine flour, seasonings, and baking powder in a shallow dish. Dredge each thigh in the mixture, pressing firmly to create a craggy, crispy coating.
- Heat oil to 356°F (180°C) in a deep pan. Fry each thigh for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Let rest on a wire rack to maintain crunch.
- Spread honey sriracha mayo on the bottom bun, layer shredded lettuce, fried chicken, pickles, and finish with more mayo on the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 800Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 151mgSodium 1408mgCarbohydrates 79gFiber 4gSugar 13gProtein 41g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
A fried chicken sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed experience. With the right techniques, customizable toppings, and a bit of patience, you can recreate this comfort food classic at home. Whether you’re craving the heat of a Nashville hot chicken or the tang of a Southern-style sandwich, this recipe offers endless possibilities. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and treat yourself to the ultimate homemade indulgence!
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