The first bite of this crispy chicken sandwich is so unforgettable that the sensation could last for days. Succulent Southern-fried chicken sandwiched on perfectly toasted buns is heaven in your mouth. Who would have thought chicken, bread, sauce, and toppings could be so soul-satisfying?
Classic comfort food doesn’t get any better. Imagine your favorite fried chicken slathered with remoulade sauce and sandwiched in a warm, toasty bun. My family absolutely loved them the last time we went on a picnic at the beach. Score!
In fact, this awesome chicken sandwich is great for picnics, mountain hikes, or the kids’ sleepovers. Whatever the occasion, you should see the smiles when I pull out a cooler full of chicken sandwiches and refreshing drinks.
Chicken Sandwich: Affordable and Popular
Chicken is probably the cheapest meat available. So it’s a good thing it’s super delicious and versatile. While fast-food chicken sandwiches are popular (hello, Chick-fil-A), homemade is still better. So, even though I still enjoy grabbing an occasional chicken sandwich at a fast food joint when I’m in a rush, these guys are my go-tos.
Fun Fact: National Chicken Sandwich Day is November 9th every year. So let’s celebrate!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Sandwiches
Make the Chicken
- Prep Chicken – Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then season with salt and pepper or Creole seasoning (½ to 1 teaspoon per slice). Set aside. (Photo 1)
- Breading – Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, white pepper, dried thyme, and oregano in a large plate or shallow bowl. (Photo 2)
- Marinade – Pour buttermilk into another large bowl, and place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk. (Photo 3)
- Dredge – Remove, let the excess buttermilk drain off, dredge the breasts in the flour mixture, and shake off the excess flour. You can also use a ziplock bag for this process. (Photo 4)
- Repeat – Dip the chicken in the buttermilk again (add fresh buttermilk as needed), then dredge in the flour mixture again, shaking off the excess flour. (Photos 5-6)
- Rest – Let the breaded chicken breasts rest for 10-15 minutes while heating the oil so the coating firms up and stays on.
Make the Sandwich
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet to 375℉ (190℃). You want it as hot as safely possible because the temperature drops when you add the chicken.
- Fry – Using tongs, carefully and slowly place the chicken in the hot oil and fry. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry your chicken until golden and cooked through (it no longer has pink inside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75℃). (Photo 7)
- Drain the chicken on a cookie rack, place it on a baking sheet, and tent loosely with foil. (Photo 8)
- Toast the Buns – Prepare the brioche buns while frying the remaining chicken. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then brush melted butter evenly on the cut side of the buns. Place the buns cut-side down on the cast-iron pan and toast them until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining brioche buns.
- Assemble – Spread each brioche bun with remoulade or tartar sauce, then add lettuce, dill pickles, and the chicken. Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Bread Swap: Replace your buns with perfectly toasted bagels. The bagel’s satisfying texture complements the chicken’s crunchiness.
- Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Add more heat for a spicy chicken sandwich recipe. Add cayenne pepper to the spice mix and hot sauce to the buttermilk for a zingy chicken sandwich.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Replace the remoulade with BBQ sauce for an incredible family cookout version.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Have the best of both worlds by topping it with Buffalo hot wings sauce and blue cheese dressing.
- Caesar Chicken Sandwich: Speaking of flavor enhancements, elevate your sandwich with Caesar dressing, parmesan, and grilled romaine lettuce.
Tips and Tricks
- The right oil. A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point means you can cook at higher temperatures for a crispier breading.
- The right tools. Cast iron heats more evenly, keeping a steadier temperature. Even better, a Dutch oven conducts heat evenly, cooking the chicken through without burning the crispy breading layer.
Make-Ahead Instructions
There’s something about fried food that’s better fresh out of the pan. However, you can marinate your chicken, prep the breading, and make your sauce the day before. Store it in the refrigerator in separate containers, and you’re ready to assemble it the next day.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Chicken sandwiches are great hot or cold. So, if you want a hot sandwich, assemble, serve, and enjoy. But if you’re going on a picnic, you may want to chill them first and then pack them in the cooler.
Store leftover chicken sandwich ingredients separately in the fridge for up to four days. You can assemble them for a cold sandwich or heat the chicken and buns in the oven or air fryer.
FAQs
A regular-sized chicken breast takes around 15 minutes to cook (6-7 minutes on each side). However, I slice the breasts in half so they cook faster and make a more manageable sandwich. To be sure, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
Of course! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook faster, but thighs are juicier. They will also take slightly longer to cook.
Yes, you can. In fact, you can make it paleo-friendly. Replace the buttermilk with an egg and ½ cup of coconut milk. Replace the flour and cornstarch with ⅔ cup of almond flour and ⅔ cup of tapioca starch.
That’s a great idea. A precooked chicken from the grocery store is a fantastic time-saver. And leftover chicken makes excellent sandwiches. So, whether you fry, grill, smoke, or bake your chicken, make extra for sandwiches.
What Goes With Chicken Sandwiches
My family loves coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, and fried pickles with this deliciousness. And don’t forget a tall, cold glass of Southern sweet tea and a slice of buttermilk pound cake.
More Delightful Sandwich Recipes to Try
By Imma
This blog post was initially published in August 2020 and has been updated with additional tips and new photos.
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