Chicken Sandwich Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Easy to Make at Home
Sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful chicken sandwich is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a game day snack, this classic dish never fails to satisfy. What makes a chicken sandwich truly memorable is the perfect combination of a crispy or grilled chicken filet, fresh toppings, and a soft bun that holds everything together just right.
While many people head to fast food spots to grab a chicken sandwich, making it at home allows you to fully control what goes into it. From the spices you use in the marinade to the kind of bread you choose, every element can be customized to match your taste and dietary needs. And yes, it can be just as indulgent and mouthwatering as any restaurant version.
With just a bit of prep and the right ingredients, anyone can make a chicken sandwich that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. Whether you prefer it crispy or grilled, spicy or classic, this homemade recipe will become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients Needed
To get started, you will need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s a detailed list along with the approximate calorie count for each item to help you stay on top of your nutrition.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1 piece (6 oz) | 280 |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | 150 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | 8 |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | ½ tsp | 2 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| Pickles | 4 slices | 5 |
| Lettuce | 1 leaf | 5 |
| Tomato | 2 slices | 10 |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp | 90 |
| Burger buns (brioche) | 1 | 260 |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | 2 cups (used lightly) | ~100 (absorbed) |
Total estimated calories per sandwich: around 1050 (varies based on prep method and toppings)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by flattening the chicken breast to ensure even cooking. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet and aim for a thickness of about half an inch. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, a pinch of salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in this marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour. For best flavor, let it soak overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, more paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne if you want some heat. Crack the egg into a separate bowl and beat it lightly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess liquid drip off. Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg, then back into the flour again. Press the flour in firmly so it sticks well. This double-dip method gives you that golden, crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about two cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F. Carefully place the chicken into the oil and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Once done, place the chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
For a healthier version, you can grill the chicken instead of frying. Just season it well and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side on medium heat.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the chicken rests, lightly butter your burger buns and toast them on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown. This step adds a buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bun. Add the crispy chicken, followed by lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Top with the other half of the bun and press down slightly to hold everything together.You’ll also want to try _ for another tasty option.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it spicy: Add hot sauce to the marinade or sriracha to the mayo for a little kick.
- Go grilled: Use a grill pan or outdoor grill to cook the chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap the bun: Try sourdough, ciabatta, or even a lettuce wrap to change the texture and taste.
- Add cheese: A slice of pepper jack or Swiss can make the sandwich even richer.
- Herb it up: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breading for extra aroma and depth.
Nutritional Information
The standard chicken sandwich made with fried chicken, mayo, and a brioche bun is hearty and rich. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 1000 to 1100
- Protein: 35 to 40 grams
- Fat: 50 to 60 grams
- Carbohydrates: 80 to 90 grams
- Fiber: 2 to 4 grams
- Sugar: 5 to 7 grams
- Sodium: 1000 to 1300 milligrams
For a lighter version, grilling the chicken and using low-fat mayo can cut the calorie count by around 300 to 400.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken sandwich with classic sides to complete the meal. Crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a light coleslaw work beautifully. If you’re keeping things healthy, try a fresh green salad or baked zucchini fries. For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp lager complement the sandwich perfectly.
Looking to serve a crowd? Set up a sandwich bar with various toppings and sauces so everyone can build their own. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this dish at parties or family dinners.
Chicken Sandwich Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Easy to Make at Home
Course: Blog2
servings15
minutes15
minutes: ~1050
kcalIngredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 brioche buns or burger buns
4 pickle slices
2 lettuce leaves
Directions
- Flatten the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to about half an inch thickness for even cooking.
- Marinate
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Soak the chicken in this mixture for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for deep flavor).
- Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, remaining paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using). In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
- Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade. Dip into flour mixture, then egg, then back into flour. Press flour firmly to coat well.
- Cook the Chicken
- To Fry: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- To Grill: Preheat grill to medium. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Recipe Video
Notes
- For a healthier option, grill the chicken and use low-fat mayo or a yogurt-based spread. Want to add extra flavor? Mix some hot sauce into the mayo or try honey mustard as a delicious alternative. The chicken can also be prepped and breaded ahead of time and kept in the fridge for quick cooking.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken sandwich in advance?
You can prep the chicken and even bread it in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying or grilling.
What is the best cut of chicken for a sandwich?
Boneless skinless chicken breast is the most common, but boneless thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry before marinating, and press the flour in well during breading. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Absolutely. Spray both sides with oil and air-fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What are the best toppings for a chicken sandwich?
Classic choices include lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. For variety, try coleslaw, avocado, jalapeños, or a honey mustard sauce.
Conclusion
Creating a mouthwatering chicken sandwich at home is much easier than it seems. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy a crispy, juicy sandwich that rivals anything from a restaurant. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, this is one recipe that never goes out of style.
