If you are craving something that brings bold flavor, irresistible crunch, and a little kick of heat all in one bite, this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts soaked in a tangy buttermilk bath, then coated with a smoky, spicy crust before being fried to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, herb-packed sauce and crisp lettuce on a soft potato bun, this sandwich is a total game changer for your next meal or gathering. It’s comfort food taken up a notch, blending classic Southern flavors with that unmistakable Buffalo heat in every delicious mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is half the fun and the key to nailing this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the flavor layers, delivering perfect texture, or adding that fresh pop of color that makes the sandwich shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender after frying.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- Hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended): Brings the iconic Buffalo heat and flavor, both in marinade and sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy, golden coating that gives the crunch.
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the breading.
- Garlic and onion powders: Essential spices that boost savory depth.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve that irresistible crispiness.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: These combine into a creamy, cooling sauce packed with fresh herbs.
- Chopped parsley, dill, and chives: Fresh herbs that brighten and elevate the creamy sauce.
- Celery salt: Adds a subtle, unique seasoning typical in Buffalo-style dishes.
- Salted butter: For both frying and toasting the buns with a buttery golden crust.
- Potato buns: The soft, slightly sweet buns that hold everything together perfectly.
- Chopped lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch and color for balance.
How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating your chicken breasts in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce. This not only infuses them with that classic Buffalo flavor but also ensures the chicken stays wonderfully juicy inside. Let them soak for at least an hour or overnight if you want to make it ahead.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Station
While the chicken marinates, mix the flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour blend will coat the chicken perfectly, layering in smoky and savory notes as it fries up golden and crisp.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Thoroughly
Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then dredge them in the seasoned flour until they’re completely covered. This extra step ensures maximum crunch and flavor with every bite.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken breasts, flipping halfway, until the crust is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through—usually about 6 to 8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Herb Sauce
While the chicken fries, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chopped parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, and salt and pepper. This bright and tangy sauce is the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
Step 6: Make the Buffalo Sauce
Melt butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in Frank’s RedHot sauce and cayenne pepper. Once combined, toss the hot fried chicken breasts in this sauce for that signature Buffalo kick.
Step 7: Toast the Potato Buns
Lightly butter the potato buns and toast them in a skillet until golden and slightly crisp on the edges. This adds an extra layer of flavor and prevents sogginess when you assemble your sandwich.
Step 8: Assemble Your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Layer lettuce on the bottom bun, place the sauced Buffalo chicken breast on top, then drizzle with the creamy herb sauce. Finish by topping with the other bun, and get ready for a flavor-packed bite.
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can really lift your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Try thinly sliced red onions for a bit of bite, extra chopped herbs for freshness, or even a cooling cucumber slice to complement the heat. Every garnish adds personality and texture.
Side Dishes
Pairing your sandwich with classic sides like crisp celery sticks and carrot batons enhances the Buffalo experience. You can also serve with tangy coleslaw, waffle fries, or even a light pickle salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, serve the sandwiches open-faced on rustic boards with extra sauce in small bowls for dipping. Alternatively, slice the sandwich into sliders for easy sharing at parties or game days. The spicy buffalo punch stays the star no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken breasts separately from the buns and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. The chicken will stay tender and flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts after frying and cooling them completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer bags. Freeze the buns separately if desired. Use within 2 months for best quality, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep that signature crispiness, reheat chicken breasts in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent soggy breading. Toast your buns fresh and add sauce just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and slightly more forgiving when frying. Just adjust frying time accordingly, making sure they are cooked through and the crust is crispy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Is there a substitute?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled, then use as directed.
How spicy is this sandwich? Can I adjust the heat?
This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe has a medium heat level thanks to Frank’s RedHot and cayenne pepper. You can dial it down by using less hot sauce or leave it as is for that trusty Buffalo kick. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce.
Is it okay to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking is a healthier option and still delicious. Coat the chicken as usual and bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Can I prepare the sandwich components ahead of time?
Definitely. You can marinate and bread the chicken in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The sauce can also be made a day early to allow flavors to meld. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion. The combination of spicy, creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors makes each bite addictive and satisfying. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a favorite that you find yourself craving again and again. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and get frying!
Print
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in spicy buttermilk and coated with a flavorful, crunchy crust. Paired with a cooling herbed mayo sauce, buttery toasted buns, and crisp lettuce, it’s an irresistible sandwich perfect for game day or a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
Dry Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Herbed Mayo Sauce
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dill
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2/3 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 potato buns
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and 1/4 cup hot sauce. Add chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Dry Coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, and salt. Set aside.
- Make the Herbed Mayo Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chopped parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt salted butter over medium heat. Stir in Frank’s RedHot sauce and cayenne pepper. Keep warm.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the dry coating mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plates to drain.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Place fried chicken in a bowl and pour warm buffalo sauce over it. Toss until evenly coated.
- Toast the Buns: Spread 1 tbsp salted butter on potato buns and toast them in a skillet or griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread herbed mayo sauce on bottom buns, layer with lettuce, place buffalo chicken on top, then cover with top buns. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
- Make sure the oil temperature is about 350°F for the crispiest chicken.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly after frying to retain juices.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice if needed.
- Leftover herbed mayo sauce can be used as a dip or dressing.
