A truly unforgettable bite awaits with these Fried Chicken Sandwiches, where gloriously crispy chicken meets pillow-soft buns and a creamy slather of mayo for pure sandwich joy. This crowd-pleasing recipe has all the magic: shatteringly crunchy chicken with juicy, well-seasoned meat, tangy pickles, and a play of textures that delights from the very first crunch. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or craving a restaurant-worthy meal at home, you’ll never look at chicken sandwiches the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Fried Chicken Sandwiches is how simple, yet powerful, the ingredient list is. Each one has a specific job, bringing bold flavor, irresistible crunch, and vibrant color to your sandwich creation.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces stay juicy and are just the right size for sandwich perfection.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and creates the foundation for that legendary, craggy crust.
- Hot Sauce (optional): Adds a punch of heat and extra flavor to the marinade—use as much or as little as you like.
- All-Purpose Flour: The classic base for the crunchy coating that makes these sandwiches unforgettable.
- Paprika: Offers a smokey warmth and beautiful color.
- Garlic Powder: Layers in rich, savory undertones without overpowering the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every element and bringing out the best in all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, peppery kick for balance.
- Cayenne Pepper: Gives just the right amount of spicy zing for heat lovers.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to crispy, golden perfection—be sure to use enough oil for deep, even cooking.
- Brioche or Sandwich Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, they’re the ideal cradle for your crispy chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, it ties all the flavors together and adds luscious moisture.
- Pickle Slices: Their briny bite cuts through the richness and creates contrast with every bite.
- Shredded Lettuce or Coleslaw (optional): Adds crunch, freshness, and a pop of color—choose your favorite or mix it up!
How to Make Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by nestling your chicken thighs or breasts into a bath of tangy buttermilk, spiked with hot sauce if you love a little heat. Let them relax there—an hour is great, but overnight in the fridge really lets the flavors soak in and keeps the chicken unbelievably tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While your chicken marinates, mix up an aromatic blend of flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a wide dish. This simple mixture is the secret to that storied crunch, and pressing the chicken firmly into it after marinating helps build those perfect, crispy crags.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour your vegetable oil into a heavy skillet until it’s about 1½ inches deep. Warm it to 350°F (175°C)—a thermometer is your best friend here, but if you don’t have one, toss in a pinch of flour: it should sizzle right away when ready.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry
Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Press them gently so the coating really adheres. Fry in batches—don’t crowd the pan—and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches 165°F inside. Move each piece to a wire rack or paper towels so it stays crisp.
Step 5: Build Your Sandwiches
If you love a warm, toasty base (and who doesn’t?), give your buns a quick toast. Slather on a generous scoop of mayonnaise, then layer up with your irresistibly crispy chicken, snappy pickles, and a mound of lettuce or coleslaw. Press the top bun on and get ready for sandwich bliss!
How to Serve Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Garnishes
Garnishing your Fried Chicken Sandwiches is where the fun really starts. From the classic trio of mayonnaise, pickles, and crisp lettuce to a generous heap of coleslaw or a drizzle of spicy mayo, these finishing touches bring freshness and color. Don’t be afraid to add a dash of hot honey or a pinch of flaky salt for a chef’s kiss!
Side Dishes
Pair your Fried Chicken Sandwiches with fries, kettle chips, or sweet potato wedges for classic comfort. A simple slaw, tangy potato salad, or even a crisp pickle spear on the side brings welcome brightness and snap. If you’re feeling fancy, try roasted corn or a cool cucumber salad for something a bit different.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy platter, slice each sandwich in half and secure with a toothpick. Serve alongside an array of sauces—think classic mayo, spicy aioli, hot honey, and ranch—for dipping and drizzling. Or, go full-on Southern: stack the Fried Chicken Sandwiches high with extra slaw and serve them family-style on a big wooden board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast), let the fried chicken cool completely, then store it separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the crust crisp and everything else fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Fried chicken freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the cooled chicken pieces tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just skip freezing the buns and toppings for the best results later.
Reheating
To bring back that coveted crunch, reheat the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust soggy. Once warmed through, assemble your Fried Chicken Sandwiches just before serving and enjoy as if they were freshly made!
FAQs
Can I make Fried Chicken Sandwiches with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts deliver a wonderful, leaner option. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness for even frying.
How do I get the crispiest coating possible?
For ultimate crunch, double-dip your chicken: after dredging it in flour, dip it back into the buttermilk and then coat it in the flour mixture again. Frying at the right temperature (350°F) and not crowding the pan are also crucial steps.
Is there a dairy-free version of buttermilk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk (like soy or almond) mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes and you’ll have a tangy dairy-free “buttermilk” perfect for marinating.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
While classic Fried Chicken Sandwiches are all about deep, crispy frying, you can bake the chicken for a lighter take. Set the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once until golden and cooked through.
What can I add to customize my Fried Chicken Sandwiches?
There are endless ways to make these sandwiches your own! Swap plain mayo for spicy sriracha mayo, add cheese slices, load up with jalapeños, or pile on homemade coleslaw. Get creative and make them as bold as you like!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted these homemade Fried Chicken Sandwiches, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less. They pack so much flavor and crunch into every bite that you’ll want to make them again and again. Gather your favorite toppings, invite your friends, and turn any ordinary day into a sandwich celebration!
Print
Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Fried Chicken Sandwiches at home with this easy recipe. Juicy, crispy chicken served on a soft bun with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Serving:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Pickle slices
- Shredded lettuce or coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a dish.
- Fry the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast buns, spread with mayonnaise, add fried chicken, pickles, and lettuce or coleslaw.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour.
- Enhance with hot honey or spicy mayo for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
