Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This crispy chicken sandwich is a perfect blend of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour mix, the fried chicken thighs turn irresistibly crispy. Topped with a spicy mayo sauce, pickles, and fresh lettuce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Hot sauce (or sriracha, optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for marinade)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (for marinade)
• 6 Chicken thighs
• 2 cups Flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt (for coating)
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• Black pepper to taste
• 1-2 teaspoons Garlic powder (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken by whisking together buttermilk, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
2. Step 2: Prepare the breading by mixing flour, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, and black pepper in a large shallow bowl. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to create a crispy crust, shake off any excess, and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Fry 2–3 pieces of chicken at a time for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Make the sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, hot sauce, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
5. Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns. Spread the sauce on both halves, then add pickles, lettuce, and a piece of crispy chicken. Top with the other half of the bun.
6. Step 6: Serve the sandwich immediately for the best crunch and juiciness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the flour-coated chicken back into the buttermilk briefly and then into the flour mixture again before frying.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for easier eating or chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting frying time accordingly.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of honey to the sauce for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crispier.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well but may cook faster and can be leaner, so watch cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the meat.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x

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Description

This Crispy Chicken Sandwich features juicy, marinated chicken thighs coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a tangy mayonnaise-based sauce, crisp pickles, fresh lettuce, and toasted hamburger buns, this classic sandwich offers a delightful balance of textures and bold flavors perfect for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 6 Chicken thighs

For the Breading

• 2 cups Flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1–2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• Black pepper, to taste

For Frying

• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Hot sauce or sriracha (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice

For Assembling

• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Hamburger buns

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and garlic powder. Add the chicken thighs and make sure they are completely submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Bread the Chicken: In another large shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade one piece at a time, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure a crispy crust. Shake off any excess flour and set the chicken aside.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F (175–190°C). Carefully add 2 to 3 pieces of chicken at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce (or sriracha), salt, smoked paprika, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
5. Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the hamburger buns until lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on both halves of each bun. Layer the bottom bun with pickles and lettuce, then add a piece of crispy chicken on top. Finish with the top bun.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the sandwiches hot to enjoy the best crunch and juiciness. These sandwiches are perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize tenderness and flavor.
• Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature for even frying and to avoid greasy chicken.
• Feel free to customize the sauce by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or adding other spices.
• Ensure chicken thighs are boneless and skinless for easier frying and eating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crispy chicken sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, homemade chicken sandwich, buttermilk fried chicken, easy chicken sandwich recipe