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Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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The Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a beloved comfort food featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned, super crispy batter, fried to golden perfection and served on soft toasted buns with pickles and optional sauces. This recipe delivers an irresistible crunch, bold flavors, and versatility that allows for numerous creative twists and dietary modifications.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for marinade)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for marinade)

Crispy Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/rice flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying and Assembly

  • Vegetable or peanut oil, sufficient for deep frying
  • 4 soft buns, lightly toasted (brioche or pretzel buns optional)
  • Pickles, for layering
  • Optional sauces: mayonnaise, spicy aioli, or honey mustard

Optional Toppings and Variations

  • Lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, pickled onions
  • Slices of cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade: Soak the chicken breasts in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance juiciness.
  2. Create the Crispy Coating: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry lightly to reduce excess moisture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure even, thick coverage. For extra crunch, dip coated chicken back in buttermilk briefly and dredge again in flour mixture.
  3. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich: Lightly toast buns. Spread your choice of sauce on the bun bottom, add the crispy chicken, layer pickles or other preferred toppings such as lettuce and tomato, add cheese if desired, then top with the bun crown. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Double Dredge: For extra crunch, dip chicken back into the buttermilk after the first flour coat, then dredge again.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain 350°F oil temperature to ensure chicken cooks evenly without greasiness.
  • Pat Dry the Chicken: Reducing excess marinade moisture prevents breading from slipping off when frying.
  • Rest After Frying: Let the chicken rest a few minutes to lock in juices and finish cooking.
  • Customize Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns add a sweet or savory dimension to the sandwich.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, comfort food, spicy chicken, gluten free chicken sandwich, homemade chicken sandwich, crunchy chicken sandwich

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/crispy-chicken-sandwich/