Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this show-stopping fried chicken sandwich. A masterclass in texture and flavor, the perfectly seasoned, golden brown coating is elevated by a medley of mouthwatering toppings that will leave you craving more. Gone are the days of settling for ordinary – this finger-licking deliciousness raises the bar, making it an unbeatable alternative to fast food. Once you’ve taken a bite, you’ll likely find yourself preferring this homemade masterpiece over any commercial version. This buttermilk-soaked, Southern-inspired recipe is a game-changer, marrying crispy, juicy fried chicken with an array of herbs, spices, and favorite toppings for a truly unforgettable taste experience that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Why You’ll Love these Fried Chicken Sandwiches
The allure of these fried chicken sandwiches lies in their uncanny ability to rival the Colonel’s own creations – they’re arguably even more mouth-watering. The process is remarkably straightforward, with the majority of the effort spent on preparing and coating the chicken before a quick fry and assembly into delectable sandwiches. Once you’ve marinated the chicken in that savory brine, it’s simply a matter of adding a crispy coat and a sizzling finish to create an unbeatable combination perfect for busy weeknights when you need to whip up something satisfying for the family.
How to Make a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
To create the mouth-watering fried chicken sandwiches, start by preparing the brine for the chicken pieces. Combine the ingredients as instructed on the recipe card, then soak the chicken in it. Next, set up a dredging station with two bowls: one containing the wet mixture of buttermilk, pickle juice, garlic, and salt, and another holding the dry mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Dredge each piece of brined chicken through the wet mixture, then coat it evenly in the dry mixture. Finally, fry the chicken until golden brown, draining excess oil on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooked, assemble the sandwiches by placing crispy fried chicken onto toasted buns and adding your preferred toppings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Deep Frying Chicken
When engaging in the art of deep-frying, it’s crucial to select an oil with a high smoke point to ensure optimal results. Options such as vegetable oil, corn oil, canola oil or peanut oil are reliable and budget-friendly choices. Furthermore, when working with hot oil, vigilance is key – never leave the pot unattended and always have the lid within reach in case of emergencies. Should the oil ignite, quickly placing the lid on the pot will help extinguish the flames. To maintain a safe environment, keep children and pets at a safe distance from the deep-frying process. For perfect results, aim to heat the frying oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest portion – a Dutch oven is ideal for this step.
Substitutions and Variations
The art of crafting the perfect fried chicken sandwich is a deeply personal one, with each enthusiast having their own unique take on the classic formula. And that’s precisely where the magic happens – when you get to add your favorite toppings to create a flavor profile all your own. For gatherings or casual get-togethers, consider offering the toppings à la carte, allowing everyone to customize their sandwich to suit their taste buds.If you’re looking to mix things up, why not swap out chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs? The possibilities don’t stop there – feel free to experiment with different seasonings in your brine or breading. And if you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red chili flakes to the mix.For those looking for a healthier twist on this indulgent treat, consider substituting with almond-crusted chicken. The options are endless when it comes to toppings – red onion, sliced dill pickles or butter pickles, iceberg lettuce, guacamole, tomato, BBQ sauce, sliced cheese, avocado, bacon, garlic aioli, grilled pineapple, or grilled red peppers all make for delicious additions. And if you’re feeling adventurous, give sriracha aioli a try – it’s sure to elevate your sandwich game.
Storage Instructions
For optimal enjoyment, it’s recommended that these delectable treats are consumed immediately after preparation. However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, the key is to keep the components – buns, fried chicken, and toppings – separate and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to reheat, giving them a brief dunk in hot oil can help restore their crispy texture, although they may not quite match the original freshness.
Fried Chicken at Home FAQs
If you’re without buttermilk, don’t worry – you can easily create a substitute by combining 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar with approximately 2/3 cup of regular milk to achieve the desired total volume of 3 cups, matching the recipe’s requirements. This hack will ensure your dish turns out just as intended.
As for cooking methods, while deep-frying can yield amazing results, you can also achieve fantastic outcomes by air frying this chicken sandwich. In fact, it should take around 10-15 minutes to cook at 390°F in the air fryer. Alternatively, you could opt for oven-frying, which would require about 20 minutes of cooking time at 410°F.
Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable fried chicken sandwich, boasting a crispy, golden-brown exterior and tantalizing toppings that will leave you craving more. Ditch the ordinary and take your sandwich game to new heights with this mouthwatering masterpiece! To recreate this culinary delight, be prepared to spend around two hours on preparation, followed by 20 minutes of cooking time. This recipe yields six generous servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself.
Instructions
To begin, slice the chicken filets in half widthwise to create six evenly sized breasts. Next, brine the chicken for two hours by combining buttermilk, pickle juice, garlic powder, and salt in a covered casserole dish. While the chicken is brining, prepare a dredging station by whisking together buttermilk, eggs, and pickle juice in one bowl, and mixing flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in another. Once the chicken has finished brining, dredge it in the buttermilk mixture, then coat with the flour, pressing the flour into the meat to ensure a solid coating. Set the breaded chicken aside for 20 minutes as the oil heats up. Melt butter and mix it with minced garlic, setting it aside until step nine is reached. Heat oil in a Dutch oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken until it’s golden brown, flipping halfway through. This should take around five minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a meat thermometer. If necessary, work in batches to avoid crowding the oil. After frying, set the chicken aside on a wire rack-lined baking sheet or transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Finally, melt the garlic butter and brush it over the breaded chicken, then place it in the oven for three minutes to lightly toast. Once toasted, add mayonnaise, tomato, pickles, and chicken to the toasted buns.