Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Restaurant-Quality at Home
Craving that fiery, tangy, and utterly satisfying crunch of a buffalo chicken sandwich from your favorite restaurant? Now you can recreate that experience – and maybe even surpass it – in your own kitchen! This recipe for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors: juicy, tender chicken with a shatteringly crispy coating, smothered in a classic buffalo sauce, and piled high on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings. Get ready to experience buffalo chicken sandwich bliss!
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just any buffalo chicken sandwich recipe. Here’s why it stands out:
* **Double Dredge for Maximum Crunch:** The secret to that incredible crispiness lies in a double dredge. Coating the chicken first in seasoned flour, then in a buttermilk mixture, and then back into the flour creates a thick, textured crust that fries up beautifully golden and crunchy.
* **Perfectly Cooked Chicken:** We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, staying juicy and tender on the inside while the outside gets perfectly crispy.
* **Authentic Buffalo Sauce:** The buffalo sauce is the star of the show! We’re using a blend of hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice), butter, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of garlic powder for that signature tangy, spicy, and rich flavor.
* **Customizable Heat:** Control the level of spice to your liking by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce. Want it mild? Use less hot sauce. Craving some serious heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
* **Versatile Toppings:** The beauty of a buffalo chicken sandwich is its adaptability. Customize it with your favorite toppings, from classic lettuce and tomato to creamy coleslaw or tangy blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Chicken:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**For the Buffalo Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
**For the Sandwiches:**
* 4 hamburger buns
* Lettuce leaves
* Tomato slices
* Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing (optional)
* Coleslaw (optional)
* Pickles (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
* Shallow dishes or bowls for dredging
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Meat mallet or rolling pin
* Tongs
* Wire rack
* Paper towels
* Instant-read thermometer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
* In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce.
**2. Dredge the Chicken:**
* Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
* Dip the flour-coated chicken into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
* Return the chicken to the flour mixture and coat it again, pressing gently to help the flour adhere. This double dredge is key to achieving that extra crispy coating.
* Place the dredged chicken breasts on a wire rack to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the coating to adhere better.
**3. Fry the Chicken:**
* Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**4. Make the Buffalo Sauce:**
* While the chicken is frying, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
* Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
**5. Assemble the Sandwiches:**
* Lightly toast the hamburger buns.
* Dip each fried chicken breast into the buffalo sauce, coating it evenly.
* Place a buffalo chicken breast on the bottom bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing (if using), coleslaw (if using), and pickles (if using).
* Place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Frying too many chicken breasts at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
* **Maintain the Oil Temperature:** Keep the oil temperature consistent at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** For the best flavor, use fresh vegetable oil. Avoid using oil that has been used for frying other foods.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Period:** Allowing the dredged chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.
* **Adjust the Heat:** Customize the heat level of the buffalo sauce to your liking. Start with the recommended amount of hot sauce and add more if you want it spicier.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your perfect buffalo chicken sandwich. Some other great options include avocado, bacon, jalapenos, and different types of cheese.
* **Make it Ahead (Partially):** You can dredge the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. This is a great way to save time when you’re short on time.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the dredged chicken with cooking spray and air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
* **Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches:** Grill the chicken breasts instead of frying them for a smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Substitute buffalo sauce with spicy mayo. Mix mayonnaise with hot sauce, sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
* **Buffalo Chicken Sliders:** Use slider buns instead of hamburger buns to make smaller, bite-sized buffalo chicken sandwiches.
* **Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches:** Use gluten-free flour for dredging and gluten-free buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegan Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches:** Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken. Coat it the same way as described in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with some tasty sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for any sandwich.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy and flavorful, perfect for dipping in buffalo sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** A cool and creamy side that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
* **Potato Salad:** A classic picnic side dish.
* **Macaroni and Cheese:** A comforting and cheesy side.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier alternative to regular fries.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing side.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per sandwich, without toppings):
* Calories: 600-700
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 1000-1200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 40-50g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in a microwave, but it may not be as crispy. It is best to store all elements separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
**Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?**
A: While baking won’t give you the same crispy texture as frying, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
**Q: Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before using.
**Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?**
A: You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
**Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?**
A: It is not recommended to freeze the cooked chicken because the crust will get soggy.
## Conclusion
This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its crispy coating, tangy buffalo sauce, and customizable toppings, it’s a restaurant-quality sandwich that you can easily make at home. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate buffalo chicken sandwich experience! Enjoy!