Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich: Crunchy, Juicy, Totally Addictive
The fried chicken sandwich has taken over menus everywhere—and for good reason. With a shatteringly crisp crust, tender marinated chicken, and bold toppings, it’s everything you want in one bite. Let’s make it legendary at home.
🥕 Ingredients (Makes 4 Sandwiches)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
For the Breading:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
For Assembly:
- 4 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns work great)
- Pickle slices
- Mayonnaise or spicy mayo
- Lettuce or slaw (optional)
🍲 Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Add chicken and coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness).
Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
Bread the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off), then dredge in flour mixture.
- Press the flour firmly onto each piece for a thick, crunchy coating. Let rest on a rack for 10 minutes before frying.
Fry to Perfection:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.
Assemble Your Sandwiches:
- Toast buns if desired. Spread mayo or spicy sauce on both sides.
- Add fried chicken, pickles, and lettuce or slaw if using. Top and serve hot.
📦 Amazon Picks to Perfect Your Fried Chicken Sandwich Game
- 🍳 Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven – Holds heat for even frying.
- 🌡️ Deep Fry Thermometer – Crucial for perfect crisp.
- 🍗 Buttermilk Powder – Handy for easy marinades anytime.
- 🧂 Southern-Style Spice Blend – Kick up the flavor.
- 🥄 Cooling Rack + Baking Sheet Set – Let that chicken stay crispy.
- 🍔 Brioche or Potato Buns – Because the bun matters, too.
- 🥣 Mixing Bowls with Lids – For marinades and dredging.
Pro Tip: Mix a little honey into your mayo for a sweet heat combo, or go Nashville-style with a cayenne butter glaze right after frying 🔥🍯