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Crispy Better Than Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Spicy Pickle

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A homemade crispy chicken sandwich with a perfectly seasoned crust, juicy chicken, and a spicy pickle kick that rivals the famous Popeyes sandwich. Quick, easy, and made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded to about ½ inch thick
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar as a substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for marinade)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup sliced dill pickles
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (mixed into pickle juice)
  • Soft brioche buns, toasted and butter-brushed
  • Mayonnaise or spicy mayo
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 slice tomato (optional)
  • About 3 cups neutral oil (peanut or vegetable) for frying

Instructions

  1. Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk with 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Beat 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons water in a separate bowl to prepare the egg wash.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, dip into egg wash, then coat again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to build a thick crust.
  6. Heat about 3 cups of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain temperature.
  7. Carefully fry chicken pieces without overcrowding for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Adjust heat as needed.
  8. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp.
  9. Slice dill pickles and mix pickle juice with 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Toss pickles in this mixture and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
  10. Lightly butter and toast brioche buns until golden and slightly crisp.
  11. Assemble sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise or spicy mayo on buns, layering shredded lettuce, crispy chicken, spicy pickles, and tomato slice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid burning or greasy chicken. Double dredge the chicken for extra crunch. Rest fried chicken on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Prepare spicy pickles ahead for better flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend and buns. Baking option: bake at 425°F for 25 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken sandwich, homemade chicken sandwich, Popeyes chicken copycat, spicy pickles, fried chicken sandwich, easy chicken sandwich

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