Lunch

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

By RecipeNest · Lunch

This crispy chicken sandwich recipe is a homemade copycat of your favorite fast food chicken sandwich, featuring a shatteringly crunchy buttermilk-fried chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with pickles and creamy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this Nashville-style crispy chicken sandwich is the ultimate lunch upgrade for chicken sandwich lovers.

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Prep

15 min

Cook

12 min

Total

27 min

Servings

4

Calories

620

Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 4 brioche buns, toasted
  • Dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and creamy sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken and marinate 30 minutes (or up to overnight).

  2. 2

    In a shallow dish, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F.

  4. 4

    Lift each chicken breast from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge firmly in the seasoned flour.

  5. 5

    Fry 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.

  6. 6

    Slather each toasted brioche bun with creamy sauce, add lettuce and pickles, then top with the crispy chicken. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 620 calories

protein

38g

carbs

52g

fat

26g

fiber

2g

sugar

6g

sodium

1020mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a crispy chicken sandwich extra crunchy?+

The secret to a shatter-crispy chicken sandwich is a buttermilk marinade plus cornstarch in the flour dredge. Press the flour firmly onto the wet chicken for craggy edges that fry up ultra crispy.

Can I bake or air fry this chicken sandwich?+

Yes — air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once, for a lighter crispy chicken sandwich with the same golden crunch.

What sauce goes on a copycat crispy chicken sandwich?+

A blend of mayo, dill pickle juice, and a little hot sauce mimics the classic fast-food chicken sandwich sauce. Comeback sauce or spicy honey butter also pair perfectly.

What sides go with a crispy chicken sandwich?+

Serve with our easy pasta salad, crispy waffle fries, or a fresh classic chicken salad for a full lunch spread.

Sarah Mitchell

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell

Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen

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