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Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken fried until golden and crispy, then stacked on toasted buns with creamy coleslaw, pickles, melted cheese, and spicy mayo. The ultimate homemade sandwich with restaurant-quality crunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 | lbs | boneless chicken thighs |
  • 1 | cup | buttermilk |
  • 2 | tbsp | hot sauce |
  • 1 | tsp | black pepper |
  • 1 | tsp | garlic powder |
  • 1 | tsp | paprika |
  • 1.5 | cups | all-purpose flour |
  • 1 | tsp | salt |
  • | | vegetable oil | for frying
  • 4 | | soft burger buns |
  • 4 | slices | American cheese |
  • 1 | cup | creamy coleslaw |
  • 8 | slices | pickles |
  • 0.5 | cup | spicy mayo sauce |

Equipment

  • 1 | Mixing bowls |
  • 1 | Tongs | for handling chicken
  • 1 | Deep skillet or Dutch oven | for frying
  • 1 | Wire rack | for draining
  • 1 | Thermometer | for oil and chicken
  • 1 | Shallow dish | for dredging

Method
 

  1. Combine chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Marinate 30 minutes or longer.
  2. Mix flour and salt in a shallow dish. Dredge marinated chicken thoroughly in the flour.
  3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
  4. Fry chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internally. Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Toast the buns cut-side down in a dry skillet until golden.
  6. Spread coleslaw on bottom buns, top with pickle slices.
  7. Place fried chicken on pickles, add cheese slice, and drizzle with spicy mayo.
  8. Cap with top bun, press gently, and serve immediately.
  9. Tip: Keep oil temperature steady for the crispiest coating.

Notes

Store leftover fried chicken in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F oven to restore crispness.
Sauce and coleslaw keep well refrigerated for 2–3 days.
For extra heat, add cayenne to the flour dredge.
Thighs stay juicier than breasts but either cut works.