– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 4 burger buns
– Lettuce leaves
– Tomato slices
– Pickles
– Your favorite sauce (mayonnaise, ranch, or spicy sauce)
Creating the crispy chicken sandwich is enjoyable when you follow these straightforward steps:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare Dredging Station: In separate bowls, place the flour and breadcrumbs. Season each with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles when added.
4. Dredge Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk. Allow excess liquid to drip off, then coat each breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, and then in the breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. If necessary, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
6. Drain and Rest: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.
7. Build the Sandwich: Toast the burger buns if desired. Place a crispy chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun. Top with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and your choice of sauce. Cap it off with the top bun.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve your crispy chicken sandwiches warm, alongside fries or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.