Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
Servings: 6 people
Chicken Marinade:
3 medium chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, halved into 6 cutlets
1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
1 Tbsp hot sauce, (we use Frank’s Red Hot brand)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Classic Breading for Fried Chicken:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Oil for frying – vegetable oil, canola oil or peanut oil
Toppings for Chicken Sandwiches:
6 burger buns, buttered and toasted
6 green lettuce leaves
1 large tomato, sliced
2 dill pickles, sliced into rings
Mayonnaise, or your favorite sauce
Instructions:
Pound chicken cutlets between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2” thickness so they cook more evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Add Chicken, turning to coat then cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together breading ingredients: flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off and dip chicken into flour mixture, pressing it on with your hands to coat well. Transfer to a wire rack.
Heat 1 ” oil in a soup pot or dutch oven to 350˚F. Just before frying chicken, dip it into the seasoned flour again for a thick and shaggy exterior.Add chicken, 2 pieces at a time for a smaller pot so you don’t crowd and reduce the temperature of the oil too quickly.
Place chicken into the oil one by one. Adjust the flame to keep the oil temperature at 300-325˚F. Cook 3-4 minutes on the first side or until browned and crisp then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side or until cooked through and chicken is browned and crisp all over.
Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests. The final resting temperature of the chicken should reach 165˚F.
Lightly butter and toast the cut sides of your buns and build your crispy chicken sandwiches with desired toppings.
Most Popular Questions and Answers:
- How do I get the chicken crispy?
- To achieve crispy chicken, make sure to coat the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and then fry it in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a popular choice for crispy chicken sandwiches.
- What type of oil should I use for frying?
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil are both good options for frying chicken. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.
- How do I keep the breading from falling off the chicken?
- Make sure to thoroughly coat the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere. Allow the coated chicken to rest for a few minutes before frying.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
- While frying will give you the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken in the oven at a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) until golden brown and cooked through. It may not be quite as crispy as fried chicken, but it will still be delicious.
- What kind of bun is best for a crispy chicken sandwich?
- A soft, sturdy bun like a brioche or potato bun works well for a crispy chicken sandwich. Toasting the bun before assembling the sandwich can add extra flavor and texture.
- How do I season the flour for coating the chicken?
- Season the flour with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.
- Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
- While freshly fried chicken is best, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- What toppings go well on a crispy chicken sandwich?
- Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, cheese, and various sauces such as mayonnaise, mustard, or spicy mayo.
Tips and Secrets to achieve the perfect :
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper before coating.
- Dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
- Use a shallow dish for coating the chicken to prevent clumping.
- Shake off excess flour and breadcrumbs before frying to avoid a thick, doughy coating.
- Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
- Season the breadcrumbs with herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Toast the buns before assembling the sandwiches to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Customize the sandwich with your favorite toppings and condiments for a personalized touch.
- Don’t forget the pickles! They add a tangy crunch that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken sandwiches with friends and family for a delicious meal!