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Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

4.8 from 139 reviews

This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich combines juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken breasts fried to golden perfection with a rich, homemade Caesar dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and shaved Parmesan cheese, all nestled inside soft brioche buns. The sandwich offers a satisfying blend of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors, perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Dredging Mixture

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Frying

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 inch in skillet)

Caesar Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 brioche buns, split
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to tenderize and flavor the meat.
  2. Prepare the Dredging Station: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk them together evenly.
  3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each breast thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Place dredged chicken on a wire rack.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Heat on medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully fry the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook 6-8 minutes per side, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain the Chicken: Remove chicken from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, preserving crispiness.
  7. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until blended.
  8. Emulsify the Dressing: Gradually drizzle olive oil into the mixture while whisking constantly until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
  9. Taste and Adjust Dressing: Sample the dressing and modify seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
  10. Toast the Buns (Optional): Lightly toast the brioche buns to add texture and warmth if desired.
  11. Spread the Dressing: Generously spread the Caesar dressing on both the top and bottom halves of each brioche bun.
  12. Add the Lettuce: Layer a bed of chopped romaine lettuce on the bottom buns for crisp freshness.
  13. Add the Chicken: Place a crispy fried chicken breast over the lettuce on each sandwich.
  14. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan generously over the chicken to enhance flavor.
  15. Add Tomato (Optional): Add slices of tomato if using, for additional juiciness and color.
  16. Top with the Bun: Close the sandwich with the top bun half.
  17. Serve Immediately: Serve the Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich right away while the chicken remains hot and crunchy.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice spicy kick if desired.
  • Use a thermometer to check oil temperature and chicken doneness for best results.
  • Allowing the chicken to drain on a rack avoids soggy crust from excess oil.
  • Toasting the buns is optional but adds great texture and flavor.
  • The homemade Caesar dressing can be adjusted to taste by altering lemon juice or garlic amounts.

Keywords: Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, homemade Caesar dressing, brioche bun sandwich, easy chicken sandwich recipe