Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch, then look no further than the Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. This recipe is a game-changer, combining a perfectly fried chicken breast with the bold, spicy kick of Buffalo sauce, all piled high on a soft bun with a cool and creamy finish. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend meal, a game day snack, or a casual dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

• Crispy and Crunchy: The chicken breast is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection for an irresistible crunch with every bite.
• Bold and Spicy: The Buffalo sauce is the star of the show, adding a tangy heat that perfectly complements the rich, crispy chicken.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, from lettuce and tomatoes to pickles or extra cheese, and make it your own.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Whether you’re craving something spicy or want to enjoy a classic fried chicken sandwich, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If using whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner fillets, ensuring they cook more evenly and quickly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier bite.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over the chicken breasts. For extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to the buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a wonderful flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This flour mixture will create the crispy crust you need for the chicken.
2. Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, crack the egg and whisk it well with a little bit of water or milk to create an egg wash. This helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip in Egg Wash: Take each marinated chicken breast and dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
2. Dredge in Flour: Next, dredge the chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat with all the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is coated generously with flour.
3. Rest the Coated Chicken: Allow the breaded chicken to rest for a few minutes on a plate to help the coating set before frying. This step ensures that the coating won’t come off during the frying process.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) to ensure a crispy, golden exterior. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and browns within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is crispy and fully cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Buffalo Sauce: Once the butter has melted, add the Buffalo sauce and stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or butter, depending on your spice tolerance.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

1. Coat the Fried Chicken: Once the chicken is fried, place each piece in a large bowl and pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the chicken. Toss the chicken gently to coat it completely in the spicy sauce. This step ensures every bite of the chicken has that signature Buffalo flavor.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast the Buns: While the chicken is cooling slightly, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this on a griddle or in the oven for a few minutes to add a little crunch to the buns.
2. Layer the Sandwich: Start by spreading a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a layer of fresh lettuce and a few slices of tomato if desired. Then, place the saucy, crispy fried chicken on top of the vegetables.
3. Add the Toppings: Top the chicken with pickle slices for a tangy crunch, or leave it as is for a simple yet delicious sandwich.
4. Top the Sandwich: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich to complete the meal.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is assembled, it’s time to dig in! Serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as French fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.

Tips for the Best Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

• Use Buttermilk for Tenderness: Buttermilk is key to tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk.
• Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier crust, you can double-coat the chicken. After dipping it in the egg wash, dredge it in the flour, then dip it in the egg wash again and coat it once more in the flour mixture.
• Adjust the Heat Level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can tone down the spiciness of the Buffalo sauce by mixing it with a little honey or extra butter to balance the flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C).
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the chicken and breading the day before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. This helps save time on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   • Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, which makes them a great option for this sandwich. Just adjust the cooking time, as they might need an extra minute or two in the oil.
2. How can I make this sandwich less spicy?
   • If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix the Buffalo sauce with a little honey or BBQ sauce to reduce the heat. Additionally, choose a milder Buffalo sauce if you don’t want it to be too hot.
3. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
   • While the fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the chicken ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat the chicken in the oven before assembling the sandwich for the best results.
4. Can I make this sandwich with a different sauce?
   • Absolutely! While Buffalo sauce is classic, you can experiment with different sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for a unique twist on the sandwich.
5. How do I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?
   • To ensure the breading stays on the chicken, make sure the chicken is patted dry before dipping it into the buttermilk and flour. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after breading to set the coating before frying.

Conclusion

This Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is a perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and spicy Buffalo sauce that will satisfy your craving for a bold, indulgent meal. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or enjoying it solo, this sandwich is sure to be a hit. The crispy fried chicken, spicy sauce, and creamy dressing all come together to create a sandwich experience that you’ll crave again and again.

Yield: 4

Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch, then look no further than the Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. This recipe is a game-changer, combining a perfectly fried chicken breast with the bold, spicy kick of Buffalo sauce, all piled high on a soft bun with a cool and creamy finish. Whether you're preparing it for a weekend meal, a game day snack, or a casual dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for marinating)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
• For Assembling the Sandwiches:
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced pickles
• Sliced tomatoes (optional)
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
   In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, and coat it again with the flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil and fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the buffalo sauce and honey (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce:
   Once the chicken is fried, toss each piece in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing (if desired) on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place a fried buffalo chicken breast on the bottom bun. Top with lettuce, sliced pickles, and sliced tomatoes (if using). Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour and egg mixture.

If you prefer a less spicy buffalo sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and use a milder buffalo sauce.