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.
Table of contents
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
- 2 cups buttermilk (here’s what you can do with the rest)
- 6 chicken breast cutlets pounded thin
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 quarts peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying
For assembling sandwiches
- mayo
- pickle slices
- lettuce
- buns (try homemade brioche buns!)
- mayonnaise
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
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
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
Nutrition
I’m wondering how you feel about using an air fryer for this recipe!? Thanks!
Hi danielle! I asked a friend who has an air frying site and she said to do 400 degrees for 16 minutes but it won’t get as brown. 😊