Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Introduction

Fried Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, juicy fried chicken with a soft bun and flavorful toppings. This sandwich is everything you want in a bite—crunchy, savory, and satisfying. The golden, seasoned crust gives way to tender, juicy chicken, while the toppings add freshness and balance. Whether you like it classic with pickles and mayo or loaded with slaw and spicy sauce, this sandwich is a must-try.

Perfect for:

• Weekend comfort food
• Family dinners
• Game-day snacks
• Cookouts and gatherings
• Fried chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Here’s why Fried Chicken Sandwiches will be your new favorite meal:

• Crispy and Juicy: The chicken is perfectly seasoned, marinated, and fried to golden perfection.
• Perfectly Balanced: The crunchy chicken pairs beautifully with soft buns and fresh toppings.
• Customizable: You can switch up the toppings and sauces to make it your own.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the takeout—this homemade version is even better!
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick dinner or a weekend treat, this sandwich always hits the spot.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Calories per serving: Approximately 600-700 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the best Fried Chicken Sandwiches:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half to make 4 pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Breading:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk

Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Assembling:

• 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
• 8-10 dill pickle slices

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk Marinade: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
• Cornstarch in the Breading: Adds extra crispiness to the fried chicken.
• Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, making them the perfect contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• Pickles and Sauce: Add freshness and tang to balance the richness of the fried chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half to create four even pieces.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness).

Prepare the Breading and Fry the Chicken:

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
4. Prepare the Wet Coating: In another bowl, beat the egg and mix with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
5. Bread the Chicken: Remove each piece from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dip into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
6. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the Chicken: Fry each piece for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

8. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes.
9. Prepare the Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
10. Assemble: Spread the sauce on both sides of the bun. Add shredded lettuce or coleslaw, place the fried chicken on top, then add pickles. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

How to Serve Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Fried Chicken Sandwiches can be served in different ways to enhance the experience:

• With Classic Sides: Serve with fries, potato chips, or coleslaw.
• Spicy Version: Drizzle with hot honey or sriracha mayo for a fiery kick.
• Breakfast Twist: Add a fried egg and crispy bacon for a breakfast-style sandwich.
• As Sliders: Use smaller buns and cut the chicken into smaller pieces for party-friendly sliders.
• With Extra Crunch: Layer in crispy onions or add a slice of cheese for more texture.
• Sweet & Savory – Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and serve with a slaw made of apple and cabbage.
• Asian-Inspired – Glaze the chicken with teriyaki or gochujang sauce, then top with kimchi and scallions.
• Buffalo-Style – Toss in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing, lettuce, and celery slaw.
• Breakfast Version – Serve on a buttermilk biscuit with a fried egg, cheddar cheese, and a touch of hot honey.
• Loaded BBQ – Smother in barbecue sauce and top with crispy onion straws and coleslaw.
• Tex-Mex Twist – Add guacamole, pepper jack cheese, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
• Italian-Inspired – Melt mozzarella over the fried chicken, add marinara sauce, and serve on a garlic butter-toasted bun.

Additional Tips for Fried Chicken Sandwiches

• Marinate for Best Flavor: The longer the chicken sits in the buttermilk marinade, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
• Double-Coating Trick: For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for an even golden crust. If it gets too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
• Drain Properly: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy breading.
• Customize the Spice Level: Add more cayenne or hot sauce to increase heat, or omit for a milder version.
• Make it a Meal: Pair with a side of mac and cheese or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For Soup – Serve hot in a deep bowl with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor.
• For Pasta – Plate the pasta in a warm bowl and top with freshly grated cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.
• For Baked Goods – Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with tea or coffee for an indulgent treat.

Recipe Variations for Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Here are 10 variations you can try for Fried Chicken Sandwiches:

• Spicy Nashville Chicken Sandwich: Toss the fried chicken in a spicy hot oil mixture.
• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Coat the fried chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
• Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich: Drizzle honey butter over the fried chicken before serving.
• BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Slather with barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.
• Cheesy Chicken Sandwich: Add a slice of melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Sandwich: Top with sriracha mayo, cucumber slices, and sesame slaw.
• Southern-Style Chicken Biscuit Sandwich: Serve on a biscuit with honey butter.
• Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich: Glaze the chicken with teriyaki sauce and top with pineapple.
• Cajun Chicken Sandwich: Use Cajun seasoning in the marinade for extra bold flavor.
• Ranch Chicken Sandwich: Swap the sauce for ranch dressing and add lettuce and tomato.

Freezing and Storage for Fried Chicken Sandwiches

• Freezing Cooked Chicken: Let the fried chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
• Storage: Store leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

Special Equipment for Fried Chicken Sandwiches

• Deep Fry Thermometer: Helps maintain the perfect frying temperature.
• Wire Rack: Prevents soggy breading by allowing excess oil to drain.
• Heavy-Duty Skillet or Dutch Oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying.

Frequently Asked Questions for Fried Chicken Sandwiches

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. What’s the best oil for frying?
   Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil work best.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
5. What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?
   Serve immediately or reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C).

Print

Conclusion

Fried Chicken Sandwiches are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With the perfect balance of crunchy, golden-brown chicken, soft buns, and fresh toppings, this homemade version outshines any fast-food option. Whether you keep it classic or spice it up with different variations, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit.

Best of all, this recipe is easy to customize—add your favorite sauces, pickles, or slaw to make it uniquely yours. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or weekend cravings, these sandwiches deliver a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.

I’d love to see how your Fried Chicken Sandwiches turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!