Copycat Fast Food Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe in 3 Easy Steps

When the fast-food fried chicken sandwich craze first launched, the frenzy and urgency of many people to run out and eat one was intense. Those who have never tried one simply did not understand what all the fuss was about. I’m here to tell you why the craze was – and still is – worth the hype. Putting a dill pickle on a chicken sandwich is a delicious touch. The fancy foil-lined paper sack the sandwich is placed in is an attractive feature. But the star of the show is the crispy, well-seasoned chicken goodness. Now, you can love that chicken from your own kitchen, with our fast-food copycat fried chicken sandwich recipe.

Most chains offers their chicken sandwich in a classic or spicy version. Make your own sandwich at home in three easy steps, and feel free to control the level of spice to your taste.

Step 1: Soak

The first step is to soak the chicken. You can call it a brine if you like, since the definition of a brine is to add moisture. Or you can call it a marinade, since that is designed to add flavor. The soak will add both.

Ingredients for soaking:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (keep in mind that some chains use fairly thick pieces of chicken)
• 2 cups of buttermilk (you can make your own by adding two tablespoons of either lemon juice or vinegar to whole milk)
• ¼ cup of your favorite hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions for soaking:

1. Mix the buttermilk and seasonings in a large bowl with a cover or reusable plastic bag.
2. Add the chicken and place it in the refrigerator for 2 – 24 hours.

Step 2: Cook

Follow these instructions carefully and make sure you don’t overcook the chicken.

Ingredients for cooking:

• Vegetable or canola oil for frying
• 2 cups of flour
• ½ cup of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of paprika
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons of onion powder
• 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions for Cooking:

1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a shallow pan.
2. Dredge one piece of soaked chicken through the coating mixture on both sides.
3. Press the chicken back in the wet mixture, then repeat coating with the dry mixture.
4. Fry in a deep fryer or large frying pan until golden brown on one side, then turn.
5. Finish frying an additional 4 – 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and browned.
6. Place cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate or on a cooling rack.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Prepare to assemble the sandwiches on toasted brioche buns slathered with spicy (or regular) mayonnaise, then top with crispy dill pickle slices.

Ingredients:

• 4 brioche buns
• ½ – 1 stick of butter
• 16 slices (or so) of sliced dill pickles, more if you like extra pickles
• Mayonnaise or spicy mayonnaise. To make your own, use one cup of mayonnaise mixed with two teaspoons of hot sauce, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon onion powder, and one teaspoon garlic powder.

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the inside of the brioche bun face down in the butter and allow it to brown.
3. Top toasted bun with mayonnaise or spicy mayonnaise, one cooked chicken cutlet, and about four pickles then place the bun on top and enjoy!

This recipe can be scaled up to make a delicious copycat fried chicken sandwich for your next gathering, game nights or whenever you want to have a taste of Louisiana-style chicken goodness.

Discover more recipes like this from cookbooks with copycat restaurant recipes in Zulily’s Book Shop