This delicious Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated in a crispy, seasoned coating, served on a toasted brioche bun with easy homemade coleslaw and pickles for the perfect crunch.
So, I don’t know about where you are, but it is hot as hell here in Ohio. When it’s hot outside, I do not, I repeat, I do not like to cook. I prefer fast and light meals. It’s way too hot outside to eat a heavy comfort food meal. This summer is all about salads and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches.
The Buttermilk Marinade
It all starts with the marinade to fully experience the perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. The marinade is a critical step in making the chicken incredibly juicy while adding flavor.
Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, herbs, and spices in a large bowl to create the marinade. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, ensure they are fully coated, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Trust me, the longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful the result will be. Once you’re ready to start cooking, take the chicken breasts out of the marinade and let them come to room temperature before frying.
The Brioche Bun
But what’s a sandwich without the perfect bun? It’s like the foundation of a house; if it’s not sturdy, the whole thing will fall apart. Choosing the right bun is crucial when making the perfect fried crispy chicken sandwich. A brioche bun is an excellent choice as it adds a light sweetness to the dish. It’s even better if it’s toasted, which is a must for this recipe. Its buttery texture also perfectly complements the crispy fried chicken and creamy coleslaw.
And to complete the perfect summer sandwich, you need an excellent coleslaw.
Making the Coleslaw
To ensure your Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich is at its best, pair it with the perfect topping. And what better topping for a summer sandwich than coleslaw? But not just any coleslaw, you need a simple creamy, sweet, and tangy coleslaw recipe.
This recipe is quick and easy to make, with only a few ingredients. Dump the coleslaw mix into a mixing bowl. Then, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until it forms a smooth dressing. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the coleslaw mix to soften. Make sure to cover it in plastic wrap.
The Toasted Bread
The final touch to a perfect sandwich lies in the foundation: the bread. While it may seem minor, choosing the right bread and toasting it right can make all the difference. For this Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, we recommend hearty bread with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even sturdy white bread would all work well.
To toast the bread, spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on each slice. This adds flavor and prevents the bread from getting soggy from coleslaw and chicken. Next, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and place the bread slices on the hot surface. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Now that you have the perfect bread, coleslaw recipe, and buttermilk fried chicken, it’s time to combine them for the ultimate summer sandwich.
Putting it all Together
With all the individual components of the sandwich prepared it’s time to assemble it. Start by placing a piece of buttermilk fried chicken on the bottom bun. Then place a generous amount of coleslaw on top of the fried chicken. Make sure to spread it evenly over the chicken.
Finally, add the top bun to the top of the coleslaw. Press down gently to compress the sandwich and help the flavors meld together. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.
With its golden brown toasted bread, creamy coleslaw, and crispy fried chicken, it’s hard for this sandwich not to be the Best Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe you’ll ever make. It will impress your family and friends and leave everyone wanting more. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious creation – you won’t regret it!
Commonly Asked Questions
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk before frying helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. However, if you’re short on time, skip the buttermilk marinade and season the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices before frying.
To make the extra chicken crispy, pat it dry before coating it in flour or breadcrumbs. You can also double-coat the chicken by dipping it in egg wash and then in the coating mixture before frying.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating.
You can also add toppings like bacon, avocado, lettuce, or different types of cheese.
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Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
These Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches are fried to perfection, topped with creamy coleslaw, and served on a buttery Brioche bun!
Ingredients
- 6 Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 2 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Black pepper
- 2 tsp. Dried thyme
- 1 c. Buttermilk
- 3–4 dashes of hot sauce
- 1 c. flour
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Black pepper
- 3/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 4 c. coleslaw mix
- 1/2 c. mayo
- 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 6 Brioche Buns
- Oil for frying
- Dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Place in an airtight container and pour over the buttermilk. Allow sitting for at least 30 minutes or overnight. In the refrigerator.
- Preheat your deep fryer or Dutch Oven to 350 degrees. Fill halfway with vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Combine the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper in a shallow dish. Take a chicken thigh from the buttermilk and shake the excess. Take the chicken thigh, dredge through the flour mixture, and shake off the excess.
- Place in the hot oil and fry for about 7 minutes or until golden brown. When finished, transfer to a cooling rack lined with a paper towel and immediately sprinkle with a little salt.
- Add coleslaw, mayo, honey, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Toss together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- You can toast the buns on the stove and add two tablespoons of butter on medium high heat. Once melted, add the buns, inside down, and toast for about 1 minute. Layer the sandwich with fried chicken, pickles, and coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Deep Dry
- Cuisine: American
I really enjoy eating sandwiches and I’ve tasted a lot. But this Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich looks really appetizing! Wish I could have a bite.
Thanks Chef!
Now that looks like the type of fried chicken sandwich I could sink my teeth into. And buttermilk fried chicken is the way to go! Love the brioche bun with it as they are always so soft and sweet. Great combo and I would def add the coleslaw.
Thank you Linda!
Oh my word, these look so good! These would be amazing any time of the year. I love all those toppings and that creamy coleslaw, yes please!
Thank you Michelle!
This looks amazing! I love a good fried chicken sandwich – especially one that is covered with crunchy coleslaw. This looks like the perfect summer lunch!
Same here. It’s way too hot in Ohio. Keep me inside unless there is a pool! My hubby is gonna be so happy to have these for dinner!!
This is beyond restaurant-worthy! Can’t get over how delicious and impressive this look ???? Will 100% be making this one
Tatiana recently posted…Pressure cooker (Instant Pot) beef and barley soup
Thank you Tatiana
Haha. I hear you with the water and Pina Colada.
I can’t say I have ever made fried chicken, but it is definitely on my to-do list
Thank you Cathleen!
This sandwich looks SO mouth wateringly delicious! Total perfection on a plate for sure. My hubby would love this. He’s all about the spicy chicken sandwich. Cannot wait to try this!
Thank you Michele!
I need this chicken sammie in my life! I love a good, spicy fried chicken! And that slaw looks great too!
The crispiness of that chicken is out of this world! I don’t eat a lot of fried chicken, but I’m definitely craving this sandwich now. The coleslaw and the soft brioche bun are a must as well!
Leanne recently posted…Blueberry Skillet Cookie (Grain-Free)
Thank you Leanne!
Wow, these sandwiches look ridiculously delicious! These make for a great fun dinner with the family or for entertaining company. The coating on the chicken looks sooo crunchy!
lauren recently posted…Strawberry Burrata Galette with Basil Pecan Crust
Thanks Lauren!
i’m trying to make this but little confused on “red pepper “ which is it ? is it red pepper flakes?
Red pepper/ cayenne pepper
looks good just one question am i putting hit sauce in butter milk or on the chicken as a seasoning?
In the buttermilk or both if you want.
Do you add the hot sauce to the buttermilk?
Yes ma’am. It should be indicated in the recipe ☺️.
These Sandwiches look so mouth-watering, I must have sandwiches in 2 to 3 days with different recipes and this also adds to my cook list, Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Thank you Sophia!