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Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Crispy and juicy beyond compare, these fried chicken sandwiches are a mash-up of your favorite fast food versions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Brining Time 4 hours
Total Time 50 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 sandwiches
Calories 628 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • Medium Bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • aluminum foil
  • Meat Mallet

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1⅓ pounds
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 4 to 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, trimming off pointy ends as necessary.
  • 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.
  • Line a plate with paper towels and set next to the stove. Pour the oil into a large pot until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
  • 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 clumpy. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  • Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Dip each breast into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and then into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Set on the lined baking sheet.
  • Carefully place pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil without crowding. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Place on the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and mustard.
  • Assemble the sandwiches: Spread sauce on each bun, top with crispy chicken and pickles. Close and serve immediately.

Notes

Accent is an MSG flavor enhancer. A deep-frying thermometer helps maintain proper frying temperature. The sauce can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 628kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 32gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 742mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7g
Keyword Brined Chicken, Comfort Food, Crispy Chicken, Fast Food, Fried Chicken, Sandwiches
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