This homemade fried chicken sandwich recipe is by far the best thing I’ve ever tasted–and hundreds of 5 star reviews agree! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in buttermilk, deep-fried to crispy perfection, then served on toasted brioche buns with a smoky paprika sauce. Don’t worry, these sandwiches are way easier to make at home than you think!
Each layer of my crispy fried chicken sandwich brings its own unique flavor profile. Add all of the delicious ingredients together and we’ve got one unforgettable sandwich that tastes better than any drive-thru! I top off these sandwiches with crisp greens and sweet bread and butter pickles to balance out the rich fried chicken thighs. And the smoky paprika sauce adds delightful creaminess and just a little bit of heat.
What’s in this Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe?
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make the best juicy fried chicken sandwiches!
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with moisture and flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Adds a kick of heat to the marinade and the sauce.
- Canola Oil: The perfect neutral oil for deep-frying to create a crispy crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the chicken crisp up to crunchy perfection.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an earthy flavor to the chicken.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the chicken and the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: The base of my creamy and rich sandwich sauce.
- Burger Buns: Buttery, soft, and fluffy brioche buns are my favorite for this sandwich!
- Pickles: Bread and butter pickles are sweet and tangy–they offset the richness of the chicken.
- Cabbage: Crunchy and fresh, this balances the heaviness of the chicken.
Variations to Try
These easy fried chicken sandwiches are so delicious as is, but you can take them to the next level by trying one of these variations:
- BBQ Ranch: After frying the chicken, brush it with your favorite barbecue sauce. Assemble the sandwich with a drizzle of ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato, and optionally, some crispy bacon.
- Southern Slaw: Top your fried chicken with a generous portion of tangy coleslaw. You can add pickles or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Honey Mustard: Drizzle the fried chicken with a combination of honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor. Add lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices to complete the sandwich.
- Mediterranean: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano or thyme. Serve the chicken on a bun with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and lettuce.
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How to Store and Reheat
I recommend storing the chicken, buns, and homemade sauce separately. Store the deep-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack set in a baking sheet, and cook in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes. Then assemble the sandwiches as desired with fresh buns!
How to Freeze
I do not recommend freezing fried chicken sandwiches whole, but you can freeze the chicken. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Notes and Tips
- I let my chicken thighs marinate in the buttermilk for at least 4 hours, but even longer if possible. Letting it marinate overnight leads to the juiciest fried chicken for your sandwiches!
- After marinating the chicken, let excess marinade drip off, or pat dry with paper towels if needed. Too much moisture will make it hard for the flour and breading to stick.
- These sandwiches pair perfectly with your favorite fries, coleslaw, and more of my paprika sauce. Or serve with ranch, BBQ, or Chick-fil-a sauce on the side.
Top Reader Reviews
- “This was so delicious! To me, this is just as good as Popeyes and Chick-Fil-a…wow…My mom and son are picky eaters and they loved it! We also liked the sauce. Also, it tastes just as great the next day, I just reheated them in the air fryer. Highly recommend. Thank you for the recipe!” – April
- “My favorite fried chicken recipe. Soooo good and sooo easy!!!” – LBD
Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt divided (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
- canola oil for frying
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 brioche burger buns toasted
- bread and butter pickles
- 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Deep Fry Oil Thermometer
- Splatter Screen
Instructions
- Add chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a large resealable bag, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- Heat 1½ inches of canola oil in a dutch oven or large pot to 350°F.canola oil
- In a wide bowl, combine the flour, remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dip each piece in the flour mixture until well coated.1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Fry 2 pieces of chicken at a time until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Rest the cooked chicken on paper towels to cool.
- Make the sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Assemble sandwiches by spreading the open sides of the toasted buns with sauce. Top the bottom bun with fried chicken, pickles, cabbage, and the top bun.4 brioche burger buns, 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage, bread and butter pickles
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours in the buttermilk, longer if possible. If the chicken can marinate at least this long (or even overnight), you’ll be sure to have the juiciest fried chicken!
- Make sure your oil is at 350°F before frying the chicken.
- Fry the chicken in batches, don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Store the chicken separately from the buns and toppings, and assemble just before eating!
- To reheat, place chicken on a wire rack set in a baking sheet and cook in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
It was my first time making fried chicken and my husband and I loved it! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing, Christa!
This sandwich tastes amazing!!
Thanks for sharing, Jamie!
I’m fixing to try it tonight thank you so much
I hope you enjoy it!
If you don’t have buttermilk what do you use??
You can use 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon removed, then add 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir well and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe!
This was so delicious! To me, this just as good as Popeyes and Chick Fila…Wow…My mom and son are picky eaters and they loved it! We also liked the sauce. Also, it tastes just as great the next day, I justify reheated them in the air fryer. Highly recommend. Thank you for the recipe!
Thanks for sharing!
My favorite fried chicken recipe. Soooo good and sooo easy!!!
I love to hear that!
This was absolutely delicious! I added cheese (muenster)! My bf said he didn’t think the chicken was crispy enough (i think he’s crazy because i disagree) so I’m going to try to add Panko in place of some of the breadcrumbs! Otherwise, flavor on point! Best fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever had!
Sounds like a great addition!
I’ve prob made this 10 times now and I’m just as obsessed. My family is obsessed and actually sit down and eat the food I made. My husband requested another one for a coworker bc he’s bragging on my cooking. Thank you so very much. This recipe is perfection.
Thanks for sharing, Lauren!
YOUR recipe called for the flour paprika salt pepper garlic salt and canola oil to be mixed in a large bowl. IS that right. 1 1/2 inches to flour mixture
The 1 1/2 inches of canola oil goes into the Dutch oven for frying!
Super simple with great results. Two things I did differently was make bacon beforehand and fried the chicken in the leftover grease. Not sure if this is a big no no when frying foods in general, but I’m satisfied for sure
Sounds delicious to me!
Very moist chicken doubled the seasoning and to be honest could have taken even more.
Thanks for sharing what worked for you, Stuart!