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Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Crispy fried chicken sandwiches that are juicy and delicious, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Brining Time 4 hours
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 sandwiches
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large high-sided pot or Dutch oven
  • Medium bowls
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • baking sheet
  • Resealable freezer bag

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1⅓ pounds
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 tablespoons salt plus ¾ teaspoon
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 4-6 cups vegetable or peanut oil for frying
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Accent flavor enhancer (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce

  • ½ cup best-quality mayonnaise such as Hellmann's or Duke's
  • 3 tablespoons store-bought barbecue sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

For the Sandwiches

  • 6 pieces hamburger buns
  • Bread-and-butter pickles

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Make the chicken: One at a time, place the chicken breasts in a resealable freezer bag; using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even ¼-inch thickness. Cut each pounded breast in half. (If the pieces seem too large to fit in a bun, trim off the pointy ends; you can cook those as chicken nuggets at the same time you're cooking the breasts.)
  • Pour the cold water into a medium bowl; add the 2 tablespoons of the salt and the sugar and whisk until dissolved. Place the chicken breasts in the brine, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (the longer you brine, the saltier the chicken will be).
  • Line a plate with a few layers of paper towels and set it next to the stove. Pour the oil into a large, high-sided pot or Dutch oven until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F). (If the end of a wooden spoon or cube of bread sizzles vigorously when you dip it in, the oil is hot enough.)
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and milk until evenly combined.
  • In another medium bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, pepper, Accent, paprika, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt. Drizzle 4 tablespoons of the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix with a fork until the flour mixture is evenly clumpy.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. One at a time, dip each breast into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and then into the flour mixture, turning a few times and pressing firmly so that the clumps adhere. Set the breaded chicken on the lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining breasts.
  • Carefully place a few pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil without crowding the pot. Cook, turning a few times, until golden brown and crispy on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes total. Place the cooked chicken on the paper towel-lined plate to drain. Fry the remaining breasts in the same manner, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the temperature of the oil.
  • Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and mustard.
  • Assemble the sandwiches: Spread some of the sauce on each top and bottom bun. Top each bottom bun with a piece of crispy chicken and a few pickles. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Brined Chicken, crispy chicken, Fast Food, fried chicken, homemade, sandwiches
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