Description
This Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Served on toasted hamburger buns with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and creamy mayonnaise, this sandwich is a satisfying and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Approximately 1 pound total)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for marinating)
- 1 dash Black Pepper (for marinating)
Breading
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Coating & Frying
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 2-3 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 sturdy Hamburger Buns
- Fresh Lettuce (to taste)
- Tomato Slices (to taste)
- Mayonnaise (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper. Whisk until well combined to create the marinade for tenderizing the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Mix the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Beat the Eggs: In a small bowl, beat 2 eggs until frothy. These eggs will help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken for a crispy coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2 to 3 cups of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Toast the Buns: Using the same skillet after frying the chicken, toast the hamburger buns cut-side down until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on the toasted buns. Layer fresh lettuce and tomato slices on the bottom bun, add the fried chicken breast on top, then cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately while hot and crispy to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Leftover fried chicken can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
