Indulge in a homemade version of the famous crispy chicken sandwich that combines perfectly seasoned chicken, crunchy toppings, and a soft, buttery bun. This recipe brings the restaurant favorite to your kitchen without the extra cost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality taste: Recreate the crispy chicken sandwich experience at home.
- Customizable toppings: Adjust to your liking with your favorite add-ons.
- Easy-to-follow directions: No complicated techniques required.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it fresh or reheat for a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
- Soft sandwich buns
- Pickles
- Mayonnaise
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into sandwich-sized portions. Place them in buttermilk and let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for extra tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thorough coating.
- Heat Oil: Preheat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast sandwich buns lightly. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, add pickles, place the fried chicken on top, and cap with the top bun.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (minimum)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sandwich: Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or drizzle spicy mayo over the assembled sandwich.
- Cheesy Delight: Add a slice of your favorite cheese to the chicken while it’s still hot.
- Healthier Option: Use an air fryer to cook the chicken for a less oily version.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with breaded and fried tofu or a plant-based patty.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for a juicier sandwich option.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil for a crispy finish.
3. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
4. What type of buns work best?
Soft brioche buns are ideal for this recipe.
5. Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
6. What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are excellent choices.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
8. How can I make a spicy mayo?
Mix mayonnaise with hot sauce or sriracha to taste.
9. Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?
While buttermilk tenderizes and adds flavor, you can use plain yogurt or milk with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
10. What toppings can I add?
Lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado are popular additions.
Conclusion
This crispy chicken sandwich copycat recipe is a game-changer, bringing all the flavors you love from the original to your own kitchen. With its crunchy coating, tender chicken, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own perfect sandwich!
PrintCrispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe
This sandwich features a juicy, crispy-fried chicken breast served on a toasted bun with pickles and a tangy homemade sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- For Frying:
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil
- For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Dill pickle slices
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- For the Homemade Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces.
- In a bowl, combine dill pickle juice and milk. Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating. For extra crispiness, repeat the dredging process by dipping the chicken back into the marinade and then into the flour mixture again.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Toast the Buns:
- Butter the insides of the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous amount of the homemade sauce on both halves of each toasted bun.
- Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with dill pickle slices, lettuce, and tomato slices.
- Cover with the top half of the bun.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the sandwiches hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like fries or coleslaw.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- To reduce calories, consider baking the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.