Description
This Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful, crispy seasoned breading. Fried to golden perfection and served on toasted hamburger buns with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and creamy mayonnaise, this sandwich is a classic comfort food favorite that’s perfect for any casual meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Approximately 1 pound total)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 dash Black Pepper
Breading
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Coating and Frying
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 2-3 cups Vegetable Oil
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 sturdy Hamburger Buns
- Fresh Lettuce (to taste)
- Tomato Slices (to taste)
- Mayonnaise (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Mix Breading: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper until evenly combined.
- Beat Eggs: Beat 2 eggs in a small bowl until frothy and uniform for the coating process.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and suitable for frying.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from marinade, dip each piece in the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to ensure an even coating.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.
- Toast Buns: Using the same skillet, toast the hamburger buns cut side down until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble Sandwich: Layer fresh lettuce, the crispy fried chicken, tomato slices, and mayonnaise on each toasted bun bottom, then cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for food safety and optimal doneness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover fried chicken sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a skillet to retain crispness.
- For a healthier alternative, try using an air fryer to cook the chicken, though the texture will differ slightly.
