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Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

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A recipe for a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that will make you wonder why you’ve never made one at home. They’re affordable, delicious, and easier than you think.

close up of sandwich with pickle and lettuce

What you’ll need

For the seasoning blend

  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

To make the chicken

For assembling sandwiches

Something sturdy to fry in

If you have an electric deep fryer (I recommend this one!), you won’t want to deal with splattering oil and monitoring the temperature.

But if you don’t have one, you can deep fry your chicken breasts in a deep, heavy pot such as an enameled dutch oven. You’ll also need a candy thermometer to keep an eye on how hot your oil is, and you’ll want to read about deep fryer safety.

Step by step

grid of 4 images of dunking chicken in buttermilk, flouring, and deep frying

Honestly, this isn’t hard. Deep frying can be intimating, but other than that, this recipe is easy-peasy.

Start by making your seasoning blend by combining the salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the blend and mix it with two cups of the buttermilk. Place the chicken in the buttermilk and let it marinate. If you have the time, pop the bowl in the fridge for four hours. If you’re in a hurry, just leave it on the counter for about twenty minutes.

When it’s time for the next step, start heating up your oil to 360 degrees. (Be careful, and keep an eye on it!) Mix up the flour and a tablespoon of the seasoning blend. Take out the chicken, gently shake it off, and dredge in the flour mixture.

And now we fry! The chicken will take about 8 minutes, and you’ll want to flip it halfway through. It will look quite dark because of the paprika, which can be deceptive, so check to make sure it’s done inside.

Let it drain on paper-towel lined plates, and then make your sandwiches. We love them with thinly sliced pickle, Cajun ranch dressing, and shredded lettuce.

more deep fried recipes:

Print the recipe

fried chicken sandwich on sesame seed bun

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

4.75 from 4 votes
Top this deliciously crispy and tender chicken with your favorite toppings for a sandwich that's good enough for your favorite restaurant.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
marinating: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories: 190kcal
Author: Katie Shaw
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Equipment

  • Deep fryer or Dutch oven

Ingredients

For the seasoning blend

  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ tablespoon cayenne
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder

To make the chicken

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 6 chicken breast cutlets pounded thin
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning blend (the one you just made!)
  • 2 quarts peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying

For assembling sandwiches

  • pickle slices
  • lettuce
  • buns

Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • remaining seasoning blend
  • buttermilk to thin out optional

Instructions

  • Make seasoning. Combine seasonings for the seasoning blend in a small bowl. Set aside. You will use this for all parts of the sandwich
  • Marinate chicken. Pound chicken cutlets as thin as possible. If you are working with full-sized chicken breasts, silce them in half first. Pour buttermilk into la arge mixing bowl. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mixture and combine with buttermilk, stirring well. Place chicken breasts in buttermilk to marinate, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  • Make the sauce. Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
  • Bread chicken. Combine 1 tablespoon of the seasoning with the flour in another large mixing bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, shake off gently and toss in seasoned flour.
  • Fry. Heat oil in deep, heavy bottomed Dutch oven or electric deep fryer to 360 degrees. Deep fry for 7-9 minutes at 360 degree, turning halfway through. Chicken will appear dark due to the paprika, make sure to check inside for doneness. Remove to paper towel-lined baking sheet or plate to drain.
  • Assemble. Toast buns if desired and assemble sandwiches with the sauce and your favorite toppings

Notes

Coleslaw, thinly sliced pickle, red onion, and shredded lettuce all make good toppings
It is not necessary to marinate the chicken the full 4 hours if you are in a hurry.  You can simply leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Nutritional facts are for the chicken only.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 1672mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this?Let me know how it was! Please see below for serving ideas, storage instructions, and substitutions.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
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