The Ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich | Easy 8-step Crispy Southern Bliss Style

If you’re looking to savor some of the best Southern-style fried chicken sandwiches at home, be sure to try the ultimate fried chicken sandwich, Crispy Southern Bliss, with its step-by-step recipe explained in simple terms.

The Ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich: Crispy Southern Bliss Southern Style

When it comes to comfort food in America, the fried chicken sandwich is the first to win hearts because it’s juicy, crispy, and incredibly flavorful.

Whether you’re craving a Chicken Fillet-A-style bite or want to prepare another delicious meal at home, this recipe is perfect. Its step-by-step instructions are explained in a simple way, explaining how to make the perfect spicy fried chicken fillets in your own kitchen.

You can also create some great toppings and sauces to create a crispy, golden crust, and a restaurant-like flavor.

This Southern-style fried chicken sandwich is deliciously prepared, tender and crispy, making it a great option for all meals.

All the Required Ingredients (For the Best Fried Chicken Sandwich)

Chicken Marinade Ingredients:

1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon hot sauce, for spiciness, optional
Two large boneless and skinless chicken breasts

Breading Ingredients:

2 tablespoons buttermilk, for crispy flakes
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup corn starch
1 1/2 cups flour

Sandwich Combination Ingredients:

4 brioche buns, lightly toasted
4 pickle slices
Classic mayo sauce or spicy mayo
Grated cabbage or lettuce leaves
Sliced tomatoes Optional

Frying ingredients:

Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for deep frying

Step-by-step instructions for making:

1. Preparing the Chicken

First, cut the chicken breast horizontally into 4 thin fillets.
Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the fillets into approximately 1/2 inch thick pieces.
To ensure the marinade adheres best, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

2. Marinating the Chicken

Use a bowl and add the ingredients in the specified quantities:-

pepper, garlic powder, salt, buttermilk, onion powder, hot sauce, and paprika, and mix thoroughly.
Dip a chicken piece into the bowl to ensure it is thoroughly coated.
Cover the piece and let it marinate for 3 hours, or refrigerate overnight for the perfect, delicious, and tender flavor.

Tips: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere better.

3. Making the Crispy Coating

Use another large bowl and add the ingredients by quantity:
cornstarch, flour, paprika, baking powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix them together.
Add 2 tablespoons of buttermilk to the prepared flour mixture and mix by hand. You should now have small, flaky crumbs, which makes for a crispy crust.

4. Breading the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the reserved buttermilk mixture and let any excess buttermilk marinade drip off.
Dip each piece into the flour mixture and press down lightly to coat them evenly.
Shake off any excess flour from the chicken pieces and place them on a wire rack.
Let the coated chicken rest for 10 to 12 minutes to ensure the crust adheres well during frying.

5. Heating the Oil

Use a Dutch oven or heavy-based skillet and add enough oil to submerge the chicken, about 2 inches deep, so the chicken is covered.
Preheat the oil to 350°F, 175°C.
If you are frying frequently, you should always check the oil temperature with a chicken thermometer.

6. Frying Chicken

Never overcrowd the pan; only fry one or two chicken pieces at a time.
Fry all the chicken pieces evenly, about 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown, with an internal temperature of 165°F and 74°C.
After cooking, remove the chicken and place it neatly on a wire rack. Be careful not to place it on a paper towel, as it may become soggy.

Chef’s Tip: For a crispier finish, dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour again before frying, which will create even more crispiness.

7. Preparing the Sauce

This is optional, but use the ingredients in the quantities specified for a disciplined, spicy mayo sauce:
mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, hot sauce (Sri Racha or Frank’s).
Mix thoroughly until creamy and smooth, giving your sandwich a perfect, spicy, and piquant coating, making for the ultimate fried chicken sandwich.

8. Making the Fried Chicken Sandwich

Use a pan and lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them until the edges turn golden.
Spread the spicy mayo or sada mayo on both sides of the buns.
Add cabbage or lettuce for a crispy crust, and place the fried chicken fillet on top.
Add tomatoes and pickles on top, then seal the sandwich and press down lightly.
Your ultimate fried chicken sandwich is ready. Serve and enjoy.

Serving and Savoring:

To serve this hot sandwich, you can also serve a few sides with the ingredients mentioned:

Coleslaw
Diet Pickles
Sweet Potato Fries
French Fries
Using these ensures crispy and juicy chicken on every bite, which can be dressed up with a creamy sauce mixture. This is perfect for dinner, lunch, or game night, making it a great comfort food.

A few special tips for the perfect fried chicken sandwich:

Using cornstarch: This is the secret to a light, crispy crust; it’s not to be missed.
Marinating overnight: The longer the chicken stays in buttermilk, the juicier and more delicious it becomes.
Heating the oil: Cook the chicken at a consistent temperature without any grease. 350°F.
Resting: Fried chicken should be allowed to rest for 5 to 7 minutes before preparing the sandwich to create a crispier crust.
Double-dipping for crunch: For crispier bites, coat the chicken twice in prepared flour before frying to ensure even crispiness.

Why this fried chicken sandwich recipe is great:

For a crispier texture: Use a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and buttermilk to ensure a crispier crust.
For a juicy interior: Use buttermilk; it seals in moisture effectively, ensuring tenderness throughout each bite.
Restaurant-like flavor: For a truly irresistible flavor, a blend of garlic, paprika, and red chili peppers imparts a Southern spice flavor without being overly spicy.
Customizable: You can customize it to your liking, making it spicier and crispier, or bake it lightly.

Try these options:

For a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich – After frying the chicken, top it with a spicy mixture of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and melted butter, which enhances the flavor immensely.
For a Buffalo Fried Chicken Sandwich – Generously coat the fried chicken with Buffalo sauce, then drizzle it with ranch dressing, which adds a spicy kick.
For a Slaw Lover’s Sandwich – For extra crunch, add a creamy coleslaw to balance the flavor, but be careful not to add lettuce.
For a Honey Butter Chicken – Before making the sandwich, generously drizzle honey butter over the fried chicken for a sweet, salty flavor.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigerator: Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container for three to four days.
Reheating: For best results, preheat the oven or air fryer to 375°F for 9 to 11 minutes to crisp it.
Microwaves should be avoided, as they soften the crust and ruin the texture.

FAQ for the Best Fried Chicken Sandwich –

Q. Which oil is best for breading chicken?
You should always use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil. This maintains a stable temperature for a perfect crisp.

Q. Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add red pepper to the flour mixture or drizzle a spicy butter sauce over the fried chicken after frying.

Q. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken thighs are very juicy, and they live up to their name, so you can increase the breading time by having thicker pieces.

Q. How to prevent the crust from falling apart?
Be sure to check that your chicken is dry before breading, and let it rest for a bit before frying so the coating adheres better.

Final Thoughts

The recipe for the best fried chicken sandwich is explained in very simple terms. Making the perfect fried chicken sandwich at home isn’t difficult. With the right ingredients and patience, follow this step-by-step guide and you can create a great sandwich that can rival everyone’s favorite fast food restaurant, because homemade is simply amazing.

From its crispy golden crust to its tender, juicy texture, a homemade fried chicken sandwich is pure Southern comfort, and once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought sandwiches because homemade is simply amazing.

Make and enjoy this weekend or right now for your friends, family, guests, or yourself.