Crispy Chicken Sandwich
This Copycat Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich features a tangy buttermilk-brined chicken breast with a crunchy coating and classic pickles, offering fast-food flavor without preservatives.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Even thickness recommended
- 1 cup buttermilk Substitute with full-fat milk + 1 tbsp vinegar if needed
For the coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For frying and assembly
- Vegetable oil to taste for frying Should have a high smoke point
- 4 pieces hamburger buns Toasted for serving
- Pickles to taste classic dill chips
- Lettuce Optional
- Tomato Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound to even thickness if necessary.
- Pour buttermilk into a shallow dish and submerge chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Coating
- In a wide bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in seasoned flour until fully coated, shaking off excess flour.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers (around 350°F/175°C).
- Carefully add chicken to the oil and fry for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain.
Assembly
- Toast hamburger buns cut-side down in a dry skillet until golden.
- Assemble the sandwich with a bun, fried chicken, pickles, and optional lettuce and tomato. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. For extra spice, consider adding cayenne to the flour mixture. Store leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.