Name: Easy Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved into thinner cutlets; 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; 4 hamburger buns; Lettuce leaves; Sliced tomatoes; Sliced red onions; Pickles; Mayonnaise or burger sauce

JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

This easy buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich (or crispy chicken burger) is one of my favorite recipes to date. The chicken is extra crispy on the outside and super juicy inside, pairing perfectly with soft toasted buns and vegetables. SOO good!

WHAT IS BUTTERMILK CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH

A Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a classic comfort food staple that features juicy chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. The result? A crispy and flavourful chicken that’s sandwiched between soft hamburger buns and paired with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy onions, pickles and creamy mayonnaise or burger sauce.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Chicken breasts: Choose large chicken breasts that are halved into thinner cutlets for even cooking and quicker marinating.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk serves as the base for the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper add lots of flavor to the marinade and breading.
All-purpose flour: Used for the breading, all-purpose flour creates a crisp and golden coating for the chicken.
Baking powder: Baking powder helps achieve a light and airy texture in the breading, resulting in a crispier chicken.
Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
Hamburger buns and toppings: Fresh lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mayonnaise or burger sauce complete the sandwich.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTERMILK CRISPY CHICKEN BURGER

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the chicken to marinate.

Step 2: Prepare the breading. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove chicken breasts from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour and place the breaded chicken on a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

Step 4: Fry the chicken. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the burger. Toast the hamburger buns lightly. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the mayonnaise. Add tomato slices, onion, and pickles on top of the lettuce. Place a crispy fried chicken breast on top of the vegetables. Top with the other half of the bun. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to assemble the remaining crispy chicken burgers.

STORING AND FREEZING

To maintain the crispiness of the fried chicken, I recommend storing the cooked chicken patties separately in the refrigerator. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy your Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, simply reheat the chicken patties in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Then, assemble the sandwiches with your favorite toppings and serve them immediately.

TOP TIPS

Use thin chicken cutlets: Halving the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets ensures even cooking and allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Don’t skip the marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.

Double coat for extra crispiness: For an extra crunchy coating, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk mixture and then into the seasoned flour before frying.

Maintain the oil temperature: To achieve crispy chicken, make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. This will prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.

Drain excess oil: After frying, place the fried chicken patty on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain its crispiness.

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Creamy Chicken Chorizo Pasta

10-Minute Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Roasted Cauliflower Cheddar Soup

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I make chicken patties in advance?

While you can marinate the chicken in advance, I recommend breading and frying the chicken patties when you’re ready to serve for the best results. Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk mixture in advance allows the flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize, but breading and frying the chicken just before serving ensures maximum crispiness and freshness.