This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a tasty treat that’s quick to make! With a crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and soft bread, it’s a meal everyone will love.
You can add your favorite toppings like lettuce and mayo for extra flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love a good crunchy bite? Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this sandwich. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using a thick slice of breaded eggplant or a store-bought veggie burger.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a great coating. If you don’t have any, a mix of regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice will work just fine as a substitute!
Flour and Cornstarch: This combo gives the chicken a crispy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or use chickpea flour for a nutty touch.
Buns: Brioche buns are delightful, but you can use any type like whole wheat or ciabatta rolls. If you want to keep it low-carb, try lettuce wraps instead.
How Do I Get the Chicken Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy coating, there are a few key techniques. Start with properly marinating the chicken in buttermilk, as this breaks down proteins and makes the meat super tender.
- Make sure to pound the chicken thin for even cooking and crunch.
- Double-dipping helps achieve ultimate crispiness! After the initial dredge, dip back in buttermilk and coat once more in the flour mixture.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the coating may burn; too cool, and the chicken becomes greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches helps keep the temperature steady, leading to evenly crispy chicken.
Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or your choice), toasted
- Mayonnaise (or sandwich sauce of choice)
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 slices of tomato
- Pickle slices (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to marinate. Frying the chicken will take around 10 minutes, depending on how many batches you do. All together, you’ll need about 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
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 rolling pin to gently pound the chicken down to about 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
2. Marinate:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but you can let them sit for up to 4 hours for extra flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This mixture will create a crispy crust for your chicken.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing down lightly to make sure the coating sticks. For an extra crispy finish, dip back into the buttermilk briefly and then coat again in the flour mixture.
5. Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in about 1 inch of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or drop a small piece of batter in; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready!
6. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to fry in batches if needed!
7. Drain:
After frying, carefully remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Grab your toasted sandwich buns. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with pickle slices, a fresh lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and the crispy chicken breast. Top each sandwich with the bun crown.
9. Serve:
Serve your delicious crispy chicken sandwich immediately, perhaps with some fries or a fresh salad on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken sandwich! 🍔
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative; they stay moist and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a couple of extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this sandwich gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, make sure your cornstarch is labeled gluten-free, which it usually is!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance, allowing for great flavor. Just make sure to coat and fry it right before serving for the best crispy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help regain its crispiness.
