This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Watch Chicken Sandwich Video Tutorial:
A homemade chicken sandwich tastes fresher because you aren’t re-using the same oil all day long. They are more satisfying than Popeyes Chicken Sandwich or even the famous Chik fil A.
Just like homemade Burgers, these chicken sandwiches are a fun and inexpensive way to feed a crowd. This recipe makes 6 chicken sandwiches and the chicken patties reheat well so they are great for meal planning.
How to Make Fried Chicken Breast:
A great fried chicken starts with a well-seasoned marinade. The combination of buttermilk and hot sauce tenderizes the chicken and the generous amount of seasoning adds flavor.
Pound chicken cutlets between plastic wrap to an even 1/2” thickness for even frying.
Marinate chicken – In a large mixing bowl, combine marinade ingredients, add chicken and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate 2-4 hours or overnight.
Dredge Chicken – In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together: flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Lift a piece of marinated chicken, letting excess marinade drip off, and dip chicken into the flour mixture, pressing it on with your hands to coat well. Transfer to a wire rack. Keep the flour mixture for step 5.
Heat 1-inch of oil in a soup pot or dutch oven to 350˚F. See our favorite oils for frying below.
Re-dip the chicken into the flour mixture just before frying. Add chicken 2 pieces at a time so you don’t crowd.
Fry the Chicken – Adjust the temperature of the oil to keep it at 300-325˚F while frying. Cook 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165˚F. Transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Crisp and Juicy Fried Chicken:
Give it time to marinate: buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken so marinate at least 2 hours or overnight. Seasoning the flour well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to adhere well. Double dip – just before frying chicken, dip it into the seasoned flour again for a thick and shaggy exterior. The right oil temperature: heat to 350˚F before adding chicken then adjust the temperature to keep it at 300-325˚F while frying. Don’t overcrowd the pot or the oil temperature will drop quickly. A clip-on pot thermometer is really useful. When to remove the chicken: take the chicken out of the hot oil once it’s cooked through and browned. The internal temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests and should reach 165˚F so take the chicken out just before that. Insert an instant-read thermometer in the side of your chicken to check. DO NOT drain on paper towels: drain or rest fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate. Draining on paper towels will trap steam and the crust will soften.
Classic Toppings for a Chicken Sandwich:
These are the classic toppings for a fried chicken sandwich. If you want to cut down on prep, you can also skip all of the toppings and use a crunchy Coleslaw which incorporates the sauce and veggies into one tasty sandwich topping.
Buns – We love Homemade Hamburger Buns best, but pick brioche buns if using storebought because they are beautiful and add a hint of sweetness. Dill Pickles – slice into rings to put inside the sandwich or serve pickle spears on the side. Lettuce – green curly lettuce looks the best but any sandwich lettuce will work Tomatoes and onions – thickly slice juicy tomatoes and thinly slice onions into rings. Cheese – we don’t always use sliced cheese but when we do, we love a medium cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese. Sauce – we love a simple mayonnaise or fry sauce (the same one we used for our burger recipe).
Can I use Chicken Thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind dark meat will take longer to cook. Be sure chicken thighs are well trimmed of fat and cook to an internal temperature of 170˚-175˚F (6 to 8 minutes per side).
What is the Best Oil for Fried Chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. The great news is that the best oils for frying are also the least expensive oils. You can always opt for an extra light olive oil or avocado oil but those are significantly more expensive. Our go-to oils for frying are:
More Crowd-Pleasing Sandwich Recipes:
For me to love a sandwich, it has to be something special. These sandwich recipes will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Cheeseburger Sliders – everyone loves these and they reheat well Reuben Sandwich – with homemade Russian dressing Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich – the authentic way to make it Chicken Bacon Avocado – a restaurant inspired club sandwich Juicy Burgers – our go-to method for grilling burgers
