Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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.
Prep
15 min
Cook
12 min
Total
27 min
Servings
4
Calories
620

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
Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken and marinate 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- 2
In a shallow dish, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- 3
Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F.
- 4
Lift each chicken breast from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge firmly in the seasoned flour.
- 5
Fry 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.
- 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.

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell
Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen
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