Imagine biting into a warm, crispy fried chicken sandwich, where the golden crust gives way to tender, juicy meat.
There’s something about its satisfying crunch and the aroma of freshly fried goodness that feels both indulgent and comforting.
This recipe is delightfully simple, combining everyday ingredients to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.
As the flavors meld with each bite, you’ll find yourself savoring each layer of deliciousness.
Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Skillet or deep fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Plate
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Paper towel
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 cup pickles, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
Cook & Prep Time
Below is a timeline to effectively manage your time while preparing and cooking the Fried Chicken Sandwich, factoring in the prep work, cooking activities, and additional reading time.
Timeline for Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
- Marination (1 hour or Overnight)
- Mix the buttermilk and hot sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step can be done ahead of time to save on active preparation time.
- Prep Time (20 minutes)
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the dredging mixture by combining flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Prepare the toppings by slicing pickles and shredding lettuce.
- Verify the brioche buns and mayonnaise are ready for assembling the sandwich.
- Cooking Time (15 minutes)
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated.
- Fry the chicken breasts in the skillet for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Assembly (5 minutes)
- While the chicken is resting, toast the brioche buns lightly in the skillet for a couple of minutes.
- Spread mayonnaise on each side of the toasted buns.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering the fried chicken, pickles, and shredded lettuce on the bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve Immediately
- Serve the sandwiches warm for the best taste.
Note:
- Plan ahead for marination time, as it requires at least 1 hour or can be done overnight.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for ideal safety and juiciness.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, then add the chicken breasts to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
In another bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to create a dredging mixture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Fry the chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and let rest for 10 minutes.
Toast the brioche buns lightly on the skillet for a couple of minutes.
Spread mayonnaise on each side of the toasted buns.
Assemble the sandwich by layering the fried chicken, pickles, and shredded lettuce on the bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
Serve the sandwiches warm.
Serving Tips
- French Fries: A classic side that complements the crispy chicken sandwich perfectly.
- Coleslaw: Adds a revitalizing crunch and a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Offers a slightly sweet and savory balance, enhancing the overall meal.
- Onion Rings: Provides an additional crunchy element and pairs well with the sandwich’s savory profile.
- Potato Salad: A creamy and satisfying side that goes well with the fried chicken’s texture.
Storage
To store leftover fried chicken sandwiches, wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Then, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze fried chicken sandwiches, individually wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat a fried chicken sandwich, use an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Alternatively, use a microwave for 1-2 minutes for convenience.
Avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Creating a delicious and crispy fried chicken sandwich at home is both rewarding and satisfying.
By marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, you guarantee it stays tender and flavorful.
Don’t skip the resting time after frying, as it helps to maintain juicy chicken.
Pairing the crispy chicken with toasted brioche buns, mayonnaise, pickles, and lettuce creates a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding cayenne pepper to the dredging mixture.
Remember, a meat thermometer is a handy tool to confirm the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Enjoy these sandwiches warm, and savor every bite of this classic American favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts With Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for this recipe. Thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful result due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time slightly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
How Do I Make a Gluten-Free Version of This Sandwich?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Confirm the buns are gluten-free as well. Double-check all ingredients for hidden gluten sources, like sauces or spices, to maintain a completely gluten-free dish.
What Are Some Suitable Side Dishes to Serve With the Sandwich?
You should consider pairing this with coleslaw for a revitalizing crunch, sweet potato fries for a savory-sweet contrast, or a classic potato salad to complement the meal. Each side dish enhances your sandwich’s flavor profile beautifully.
Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Frying It?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, and bake on a greased baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior and moist interior.
How Can I Make the Sandwich Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor?
You can make the sandwich healthier by baking the chicken instead of frying it, using whole grain buns, and swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Add fresh veggies for crunch and flavor without compromising on taste.
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Skillet or deep fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 plate
- 1 Tongs
- 1 paper towel
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 cup pickles sliced
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, then add the chicken breasts to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to create a dredging mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Fry the chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
- Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Toast the brioche buns lightly on the skillet for a couple of minutes.
- Spread mayonnaise on each side of the toasted buns.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering the fried chicken, pickles, and shredded lettuce on the bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve the sandwiches warm.
Notes
