Nothing beats biting into a perfectly golden, juicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe that combines crunchy, flavorful chicken with fresh toppings nestled inside a soft bun. This recipe is a personal favorite because it nails the balance between a crispy coating and tender chicken, enhanced by a blend of spices that bring just the right kick. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe brings comfort and excitement together in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create that irresistible crispy texture, juicy chicken interior, and fresh flavor contrasts that make this sandwich shine. Each component plays a key role in taste, texture, and even the visual appeal of the final dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for tender, juicy pieces.
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk): Tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture for the coating to stick.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the flour mixture to the chicken for maximum crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crispy outer coating that makes every bite satisfying.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors within the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a subtle savory depth to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that livens up the coating.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Brings a mild spicy warmth that balances the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic notes without overpowering.
- Vegetable oil (high smoke point): Used for frying to achieve that perfectly golden crispiness without burning.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft and slightly sweet buns hold all the fillings together wonderfully.
- 4 pieces leaf lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy layer that lightens up the sandwich.
- 8 slices tomato: Juicy slices that offer bright acidity and color contrast.
- 16 pickle slices: Provide a tart, tangy pop that cuts through the fried richness.
- ½ red onion (sliced into rings): Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that complements the chicken.
- 8 tablespoons Dijon mustard: A tangy and slightly spicy spread that lifts the sandwich with bold flavor.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow bowl and pour the milk or buttermilk over them. This step is key to tenderizing the meat and adding moisture, which keeps the chicken juicy after frying. Letting the chicken soak briefly ensures better flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs until they are well scrambled. The egg helps the flour coating adhere to the chicken, creating that signature crunch while frying.
Step 3: Season and Mix the Flour
Combine the flour with kosher salt, garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder in a third bowl. This seasoned flour mixture brings flavor and forms a crispy crust that locks in the chicken’s juices perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
First, dredge each milk-soaked chicken breast into the seasoned flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally return it to the flour mixture for an extra crispy coat. Place each coated piece gently on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. This double-dip ensures maximum crunch and flavorful coating.
Step 5: Heat and Test the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into your skillet to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches and heat it to 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, sprinkle a bit of the flour mixture into the oil — a rapid sizzle and fizz means it’s ready. This optimal temperature ensures your chicken cooks quickly and crisps without absorbing too much oil.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place two pieces of chicken into the hot oil and fry until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Flip the chicken halfway through to get an even golden color all over. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through; it should reach 165°F internally. This step guarantees your chicken is juicy and safe to eat without being dry.
Step 8: Assemble Your Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Toast the buns lightly if you like, then layer with leaf lettuce, tomato slices, pickle slices, red onion rings, and a generous spread of Dijon mustard. Top with the hot crispy chicken breast before placing the top bun. Every bite will be bursting with contrasting textures and vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, bright tomato slices, and tangy pickles adds color and refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the fried chicken. A few rings of thinly sliced red onion bring a slight zesty bite that complements the savory flavors.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides such as crispy fries, homemade coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad. These sides provide a perfect contrast in texture and help round out the meal with extra freshness or satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve small open-faced versions on slider buns for a party, or offer a variety of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or honey mustard on the side. You can also make it a wrap by swapping buns for large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option without losing any flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crispy chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and fresh toppings separate to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but the cooking time may vary slightly due to their thickness. Adjust frying time accordingly to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Regular milk works well as a marinade. For a buttermilk substitute, just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it will add the same tenderizing effect.
How do I keep the coating crispy after frying?
Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent steam buildup that can soften the crust. Also, avoid covering the chicken while it’s warm to maintain its crunch.
Is this Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe spicy?
The recipe uses a mild chili powder for a subtle warmth, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mix or mustard spread for extra kick.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake the chicken at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It will be less crispy but still delicious and healthier.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—comforting, satisfying, and endlessly tasty. Once you experience the crunchy crust paired with juicy, flavorful chicken and fresh garnishes, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. I encourage you to try it soon and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
Print
Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Chicken Sandwich recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts double-dipped in a seasoned flour coating and perfectly fried to a golden brown. Served on soft hamburger buns and topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, crisp pickles, sliced red onion, and tangy Dijon mustard, it’s a classic sandwich perfect for a satisfying meal at home.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4–6 ounces each)
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (high smoke point for frying, about 1-2 inches depth)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 pieces leaf lettuce
- 8 slices tomato
- 16 pickle slices
- ½ red onion (sliced into rings)
- 8 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Soak the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a small shallow bowl and pour the milk (or buttermilk) over them. Set this aside to marinate briefly, allowing the chicken to stay moist and tender.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a separate small bowl, beat the two large eggs until fully scrambled to prepare for dipping the chicken.
- Mix the Flour and Seasonings: In a third bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with kosher salt, garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken breast from the milk bath, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs, and then coat it again in the flour mixture. Place each coated piece on a plate until all are prepared.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into an electric skillet or deep pan, filling it about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F, checking readiness by dropping a pinch of flour mixture into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place two chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry them for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip halfway through cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, confirming it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread Dijon mustard on the hamburger buns. Layer each bun with a piece of fried chicken, leaf lettuce, two tomato slices, four pickle slices, and some red onion rings to complete the classic crispy chicken sandwich.
Notes
- Buttermilk can be used instead of milk to add extra tenderness and flavor to the chicken.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for a crispy crust without overcooking the chicken inside.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F.
- You can customize the sandwich with additional sauces like mayonnaise or spicy aioli if desired.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy or soggy coating.
