Have you ever fantasised about sinking your teeth into a fried chicken sandwich that is so sublime, it commands a moment of silence? We’re talking about one with a gloriously crunchy coating, encasing unbelievably juicy, flavourful chicken, all nestled within a soft bun with a perfectly zesty sauce. We have certainly chased that dream. Fortunately, the quest ends here. We are delighted to show you how to construct the kind of sandwich that will spoil you for all others, in the very best way. Prepare to master the definitive Ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipes from the comfort of your home.

This is far more than just frying a piece of chicken; it’s about conducting a symphony of textures and tastes. We will delve into the fundamentals: the non-negotiable buttermilk brine, the seasoned flour dredge that promises a craggy, crisp exterior, and the final assembly that elevates a simple meal into an unforgettable occasion. Whether you are a confident cook or just starting your culinary journey, our clear, step-by-step instructions make achieving sandwich supremacy not only achievable but remarkably simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Crispy: We employ a double-dredging method featuring a secret weapon (cornflour!) to forge a shatteringly crisp coating that truly lasts.
• Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The buttermilk brine is absolutely essential! It works to tenderise the chicken, locking in moisture and imparting a subtle tang that guarantees every mouthful is succulent.
• Packed with Flavour: Our bespoke spice blend for the coating is meticulously balanced with smoky, savoury, and peppery notes that wonderfully enhance the chicken.
• Completely Customisable: Consider this recipe your starting point. We’ll guide you through the classic version, but also reveal how to adapt it into a spicy, gourmet, or fully loaded creation.

Ingredients

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• vegetable or rapeseed oil
• brioche buns
• sliced gherkins
• shredded iceberg lettuce
• black pepper
• hot sauce
• plain flour
• smoked paprika
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• cayenne pepper
• American mustard

Crafting Your Ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich

Making a sandwich this exceptional is a process, but one that is incredibly gratifying. We have organised it into four straightforward stages, from the vital brining step to the magnificent final build. Simply follow along, and you’ll soon find yourself in sandwich paradise.

Step 1: The All-Important Buttermilk Brine

The journey to unbelievably tender chicken begins right here. Do not be tempted to skip the brine! This single step is what separates a decent sandwich from a truly great one.

1. In a spacious bowl, whisk together your buttermilk, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce if you wish.
2. Place the chicken thighs into the mixture, making sure they are completely covered.
3. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. For optimal tenderness and flavour, we recommend leaving it overnight.

Step 2: Preparing the Crispy Coating

This is where we construct that legendary crunch. The fusion of plain flour and cornflour is the secret to achieving a light, textured, and wonderfully crisp crust.

1. In a wide, shallow container, combine the plain flour, cornflour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly with a whisk to ensure the spices are evenly incorporated into the flour. Set this to one side.
3. To make your tangy sauce, simply stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle brine in a small bowl. Cover and keep it chilled until you are ready to assemble.

Step 3: Frying to Golden Perfection

Now, let the magic unfold. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is paramount for cooking the chicken perfectly without burning the coating. If you’re looking for other brilliant chicken dishes, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is another fantastic weeknight meal.

1. Pour the oil into a large, heavy-based pan or Dutch oven to a depth of about 5cm (2 inches). Heat the oil over a medium-high setting until it registers 175°C (350°F). Using a cooking thermometer will ensure precision.
2. As the oil heats up, remove a chicken thigh from the brine, letting the excess liquid drip away. Dredge it generously in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to achieve a complete coating.
3. For an even more rugged crust, dip the floured chicken *back* into the buttermilk briefly, then return it to the flour for a second, substantial coating.
4. Gently lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. To maintain the oil temperature, fry only 2-3 pieces at a time and avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Cook for 4–6 minutes on each side, until the coating is a rich golden-brown and the chicken is fully cooked. For safety, the internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) on a meat thermometer, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency.
6. Use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack. This allows air to circulate, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.

Step 4: Assembling Your Masterpiece

This is the moment of triumph. To turn a great meal into an iconic one, careful assembly is key. This is where your efforts culminate in the perfect Crispy chicken burger.

1. Gently toast the cut sides of your brioche buns in a dry frying pan or under the grill until lightly golden.
2. Lavishly spread your tangy sandwich sauce over both the top and bottom buns.
3. Arrange a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce and a few gherkin slices on the bottom bun.
4. Carefully place your freshly fried, crispy chicken thigh on top.
5. Complete with the top bun and press down lightly. Serve immediately to enjoy it at its hot, crunchy best!

Delicious Variations to Try

After you have perfected the original, feel free to get creative! This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for all kinds of tasty adaptations. If you enjoy experimenting with chicken flavours, you will also adore our Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls.

The Spicy chicken sandwich

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper into your flour dredge and a generous dash of your preferred hot sauce into the buttermilk brine. For a final flourish, you could even drizzle the cooked chicken with a hot honey glaze for a delightful sweet and fiery kick.

The Gourmet fried chicken sandwich

Elevate your sandwich to new heights with a few simple adjustments. Opt for a toasted brioche or potato bun, swap the iceberg for peppery rocket, and replace the sauce with a decadent truffle aioli or a vibrant homemade coleslaw. A slice of melted Gruyère cheese would also be a spectacular addition.

The Loaded chicken sandwich

Embrace pure indulgence with this ultimate comfort food version. Top your crispy chicken with a slice of melted cheddar, a few rashers of crispy smoked bacon, and a couple of golden-fried onion rings. It is messy, decadent, and utterly unforgettable.

FAQ

Your New Favourite Sandwich Awaits

So there you have it—the complete guide to creating the fried chicken sandwich of your dreams. We have equipped you with the techniques to guarantee your chicken is wonderfully crisp on the outside, perfectly juicy within, and absolutely bursting with flavour. From the timeless classic to spicy and gourmet twists, you now possess everything you need to make a truly outstanding meal.

The rest is up to you. Head to the kitchen, get that oil heated, and prepare for a taste sensation. We are confident that once you have tried these ultimate fried chicken sandwich recipes, there will be no turning back. Be sure to share your magnificent creations with us on social media!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Buttermilk for the brine
• Salt and black pepper
• Hot sauce
• Plain flour
• Cornflour
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• American mustard
• Pickle brine
• Vegetable or rapeseed oil, for frying
• 4 brioche buns
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Sliced gherkins

Instructions

1. Brine the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Make the Coating and Sauce: In a shallow dish, combine the plain flour, cornflour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a separate small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle brine to make the sauce. Chill the sauce until assembly.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour oil to a depth of about 2 inches (5cm) in a large, heavy-based pan and heat over medium-high heat to 175°C (350°F).
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove a chicken thigh from the brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge it in the seasoned flour, press to coat, then dip it back into the buttermilk briefly before dredging it in the flour a second time for an extra-craggy crust.
5. Fry Until Golden: Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches of 2-3 to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack.
6. Assemble: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Spread the sauce on the top and bottom buns. Layer shredded lettuce and gherkins on the bottom bun, top with a piece of fried chicken, and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately.