This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a crunchy golden-brown chicken fillet, melted cheddar cheese, creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, and smoky BBQ sauce—all nestled between a toasted brioche bun. With the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Juicy Chicken – The buttermilk marinade ensures tender, flavorful chicken with an ultra-crispy crust.
Perfect Flavor Combination – The smoky BBQ sauce, tangy coleslaw, and cheddar cheese complement the crunchy chicken beautifully.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy a gourmet-style chicken sandwich without the fast-food price tag.
Customizable – Easily switch up the toppings and sauce to match your taste preferences.
Great for Meal Prep – The chicken can be marinated ahead of time for easy cooking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fried Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sandwich:

2 brioche or soft sandwich buns
2 slices cheddar cheese
½ cup coleslaw
4-6 pickle slices
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Submerge the chicken in the mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for an extra crispy coating.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Toast the Buns: Butter the inside of the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread BBQ sauce on both buns. Place pickles on the bottom bun, followed by the fried chicken, a slice of cheddar cheese, and coleslaw. Top with the other bun and press gently.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately with fries or onion rings for the ultimate meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: 680 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and drizzle with spicy mayo or sriracha.
Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Different Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone for a unique twist.
Sweet & Savory Combo: Use honey mustard instead of BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the breaded (uncooked) chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before frying.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it may soften the crispy coating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and can be prepared the same way.

How do I get the crispiest coating?

Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before frying.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the breading, and opt for a gluten-free bun.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use vegetable, peanut, or canola oil for a high smoke point and crispy texture.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor.

How do I prevent my fried chicken from becoming soggy?

Let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying.

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes! A bagged coleslaw mix with a simple dressing works perfectly.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Use smoky, honey, or spicy BBQ sauce depending on your taste preference.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, marinate the chicken, then grill for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.

What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad complement this meal well.

Conclusion

This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich is a must-try for any comfort food lover. With its golden, crunchy coating, melted cheese, and tangy coleslaw, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or a family meal, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken right at home!

Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This mouthwatering fried chicken sandwich features a crunchy, golden-brown chicken fillet, melted cheddar cheese, creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, and smoky BBQ sauce on a soft toasted bun. The perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food!

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Submerge the chicken in the marinade and let sit for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
Prepare the Breading:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an extra crispy coating.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Toast the Buns:
- Butter the inside of the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread BBQ sauce on both buns.
- Place pickles on the bottom bun.
- Add the fried chicken, then place a slice of cheddar cheese on top.
- Pile on coleslaw for added crunch and creaminess.
- Top with the other bun and press gently.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or a fresh side salad for the ultimate meal!

Notes

For extra spicy chicken, add more cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a bolder flavor.
Use air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway for a healthier option.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Deep Frying
Cuisine: American