Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich: A DIY Delight
If you are a fan of fried chicken sandwich recipes, you’re in for a treat with this Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich. This delightful dish combines the best elements from two world-famous restaurants – Popeyes® and Chick-fil-A® – resulting in a taste that is simply irresistable. Moreover, you can enjoy this delicious sandwich any day, even on Sundays!
Yield and Preparation Details
This recipe yields 4 mouthwatering sandwiches and takes a total of 2 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 5 minutes
- Additional: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total: 2 hours 40 minutes
Ingredients Required for Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich
To recreate this delicious fried chicken sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
- 4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup milk
- Canola oil for frying
- 4 soft hamburger buns, toasted and buttered
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
- 12 dill pickle slices, or to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Fried Chicken Sandwich
Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Firstly, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, a dash of hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix in a bowl. Immerse the chicken breasts in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Create the Coating for the Chicken
Next, mix 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1½ teaspoons of cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. Season with an additional tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix. In another bowl, beat 1 large egg with ½ cup buttermilk and ¼ cup milk.
Prepare for Frying
Subsequently, heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil reaches a temperature sufficient to fry the chicken evenly.
Fry the Chicken to Perfection
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then coat again with the flour mixture. Fry each piece in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Assemble Your Sandwich
To assemble each sandwich, spread mayonnaise on the buttered sides of the toasted buns. Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom half, topped with pickle slices, and cover with the top half of the bun. Your Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich is ready to serve!
Health Benefits and Enhanced Cooking Techniques
Fried chicken sandwich recipes provide a balance of taste and nutrition, especially when made with lean proteins like chicken breasts. For those who seek a healthier version, consider oven-baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. These methods use less oil and help retain more essential nutrients while maintaining delicious flavors.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Above all, this Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich delivers an unforgettable taste experience, pairing crispy, flavorful chicken with a creamy touch of mayonnaise and the refreshing crunch of pickles. Moreover, it’s easy to prepare and a perfect choice for both casual lunch and a family gathering. Try it today for an exceptional dining experience at home!
