When you're craving a satisfying meal, chicken sandwiches can really hit the spot. You've probably tried a few variations, but have you investigated the five best recipes that can truly enhance your culinary experience? From the crispy goodness of a classic fried chicken sandwich to the zesty punch of a spicy buffalo version, there's a lot to reflect upon. Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures that could redefine your lunch or dinner routine. Let's uncover what these standout options are and how they can become your new go-to meals.
Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich
The Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich is a beloved staple that combines juicy, crispy fried chicken with fresh toppings, all nestled between a soft bun. This sandwich has garnered fans for its satisfying crunch and flavorful profile, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.
With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can whip up this delicious sandwich that rivals any restaurant version right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Mayonnaise
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they're fully coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Toast the burger buns, then assemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on the bottom bun, layering with lettuce, the fried chicken, tomato slices, pickles, and finally the top bun.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken by first coating it in flour, then dipping it back into the buttermilk, and then back into the flour before frying. This will give you a thicker crust.
If you want to spice things up, consider adding some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick. Serve the sandwiches with your favorite sides, like fries or coleslaw, for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade classic fried chicken sandwich!
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
If you're craving a kick of heat with your chicken sandwich, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is the perfect choice. This recipe combines crispy fried chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and cooling toppings to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you're hosting a game day party or simply satisfying your hunger, this sandwich is sure to impress and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each breast in flour until fully coated.
Fry the chicken in hot oil for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce, then assemble your sandwiches by placing the chicken on the buns, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and drizzling with blue cheese or ranch dressing if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk after the first flour coating and then coating it again in flour.
You can also adjust the heat level of your sandwich by varying the amount of buffalo sauce you use or opting for a milder sauce.
If you're looking for a healthier option, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it, and add some sliced pickles for a tangy crunch.
Don't forget to serve with a side of fries or celery sticks for the complete experience!
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Sandwich
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Sandwich is a delightful and invigorating meal that combines the zesty flavors of lemon with a medley of herbs, creating a juicy and flavorful chicken patty.
This sandwich is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Served on a toasted bun with fresh veggies, it's a healthy and satisfying option that the whole family will enjoy.
Let's explore the ingredients and cooking instructions to get you started on this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Optional: mayonnaise or spicy aioli
Cooking Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they're well coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat, and once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill.
Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
Assemble the sandwich by placing the grilled chicken on a toasted bun, and topping it with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any condiments of your choice.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider brining the chicken in a solution of water and salt for a few hours before marinating.
This will help keep the chicken moist and improve its flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preferences; fresh herbs will provide an even more vibrant taste.
Also, if you don't have a grill, you can easily cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
BBQ Chicken Sandwich With Slaw
The BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Slaw is a delightful fusion of smoky flavors and crunchy textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. This recipe features juicy grilled chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with a revitalizing slaw that adds a crisp contrast.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a satisfying sandwich at home, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating, prepare the slaw by combining the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined and set aside.
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. During the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce.
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a piece of grilled chicken on each bun, topping it with slaw, and finishing with more barbecue sauce if desired.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for at least an hour before grilling. This will infuse the meat with a deeper taste.
You can also customize your slaw by adding ingredients like diced apples, red cabbage, or even jalapeños for some heat.
If you're short on time, pre-packaged coleslaw mix can be a great time-saver. To enhance the sandwich further, consider toasting the buns lightly on the grill for a nice crunch.
Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Slaw!
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, bringing together the flavors of crispy, breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between two slices of crusty bread.
This sandwich is perfect for a filling lunch or a satisfying dinner, and it's easy to prepare in under an hour. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing down to guarantee an even layer.
In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Meanwhile, toast the hoagie rolls in the oven for a few minutes.
Assemble the sandwiches by placing the chicken on the rolls, garnishing with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning or garlic before breading.
You can also customize your sandwich by adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
If you prefer a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it; simply place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, spray it lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Finally, serve with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal!