The Ultimate Southern-Style Pickle-Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Discover the unparalleled delight of homemade Pickle-Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwiches – a true Southern classic that transcends ordinary fast food. This recipe guides you through creating extra crispy, juicy fried chicken, perfectly nestled between soft brioche buns. Elevate your sandwich experience with a sweet and tangy homemade Chick-fil-A style sauce and an abundance of crunchy pickles. Prepare for a simple yet profoundly delicious culinary adventure!

If there’s one culinary indulgence on this planet truly “worth the calories,” it’s a meticulously crafted homemade crispy chicken sandwich. Forget the drive-thru; once you taste the profound flavors and satisfying crunch of a sandwich made with love in your own kitchen, there’s simply no going back.

Our journey to the perfect crispy chicken sandwich begins with a secret weapon: a buttermilk and pickle juice brine. We immerse chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs in this magical concoction overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into every fiber of the meat. This tenderizing and flavor-infusing step is what sets our Southern-style sandwich apart. Afterward, we dredge the chicken in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a coating that fries up to an incomparable crispness.

While the internet boasts countless chicken sandwich recipes and fast-food giants like Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and KFC offer convenient options around every corner, none truly compare to the homemade version. This isn’t just another crispy chicken sandwich; it’s a labor of love, a culinary experience meant to be savored on warm summer evenings with cherished friends and family. The exquisite blend of a hot and spicy honey mustard sauce (or our homemade Chick-fil-A style sauce), a steamed potato bun, crisp lettuce, and crunchy dill pickles creates a phenomenal taste profile that is simply irresistible. Every bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors – a testament to the fact that some things are indeed worth every single calorie.

What Makes a Crispy Chicken Sandwich Truly Great?

At its heart, a crispy chicken sandwich features a perfectly cooked, tender piece of boneless, skinless chicken. What elevates it to greatness is the delicate balance of its components. The chicken is typically brined in liquids like buttermilk or pickle juice, which not only impart flavor but also help to tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy interior. The magic truly happens with the dredging process: a flour mixture, often seasoned with a variety of spices, adheres to the brined chicken, creating a foundational coating. When fried, this coating transforms into a gloriously golden, crumbly, and immensely crunchy crust. This delightful crispy chicken is then placed into a soft, often toasted bun and crowned with your favorite fresh toppings and a signature sauce, creating a harmonious bite that’s both comforting and exciting.

Essential Ingredients for Your Super Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Crafting the perfect crispy chicken sandwich starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to achieve that mouthwatering, extra-crispy perfection:

• Chicken: For this recipe, you have the flexibility to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. We recommend starting with about 1 pound of chicken, which typically equates to two hefty chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness, we suggest cutting larger breasts down the middle horizontally and then pounding them with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch. This guarantees that each piece fries uniformly and is perfectly cooked throughout.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a cornerstone of great fried chicken. Its naturally low pH helps to tenderize the chicken without toughening it, resulting in an incredibly juicy and succulent final product. If you don’t have fresh buttermilk on hand, a handy trick is to freeze leftover buttermilk in ice cube trays for future use. Alternatively, for this recipe, you can use ⅓ cup of buttermilk powder mixed with ¾ cup of water, which we find yields a superior flavor and texture compared to the package’s suggested ratio.
• Pickle Juice: This is our secret weapon for a truly distinctive flavor. Pickle juice acts as an exceptional brining liquid, not only contributing to the tenderization of the chicken but also infusing it with a wonderfully tangy and savory depth. While dill pickle juice is our go-to for its classic flavor, feel free to experiment with any pickle juice you prefer. Soaking the chicken in this buttermilk and pickle brine mixture in a shallow dish allows it to absorb all those fantastic flavors and become incredibly tender.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar is crucial for achieving a well-balanced flavor profile. It’s used sparingly in both the brining mixture and the crunchy coating. In the brine, it helps to round out the tanginess, while in the breading, it subtly enhances browning and contributes to a beautiful golden crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our dredging mixture. For an unparalleled crunch, we utilize a precise 50:50 ratio of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Unlike panko or traditional breadcrumbs, which can absorb excessive oil and lead to a greasy sandwich, this flour and cornstarch blend creates a lighter, crispier, and more satisfying crust that stays crunchy.
• Cornstarch: Paired with all-purpose flour in a 50:50 ratio, cornstarch is the key to achieving that signature extra-crispy texture. It provides a light, airy, and shatteringly crisp coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken.
• Seasonings: Our carefully selected blend of seasonings creates an ultra-flavorful coating and brining liquid. This includes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This combination ensures a complex and savory taste that complements the chicken perfectly. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply swap the cayenne pepper for an equal amount of paprika.
• Oil for Frying: Choosing the right oil is paramount for successful deep frying. You need a high-heat oil with a neutral flavor. Peanut oil is an excellent choice due to its high smoke point and ability to create a beautifully crisp exterior. Other suitable alternatives include avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, all of which perform well under high temperatures.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Follow these detailed steps to create a crispy chicken sandwich that will impress even the most discerning palates:

1. Brine the Chicken: Begin by preparing your flavorful pickle brine. In a glass measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, sugar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined. Place your prepared chicken pieces into a glass dish or a sturdy freezer bag, ensuring there’s enough room for them to be fully submerged. Pour the brining mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish tightly or seal the bag, then refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 18 hours. The longer the brining time, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Once the brining is complete, it’s time to prepare the crispy coating. In a separate shallow dish (a pie dish works perfectly), combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of seasonings. Now for a clever trick: remove the chicken from the brining liquid, but *do not discard the liquid yet*. Add a tablespoon or two of this flavorful brining liquid directly into your dry flour mixture and whisk it in. This creates small, crumbly bits within the flour that will adhere to the chicken, contributing to an even more craggy and extra-crunchy crust. Dredge each piece of chicken generously in the flour mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure the coating adheres completely. Place the coated chicken pieces on a clean plate or a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
3. Allow it to “Hang Out”: This seemingly simple step is absolutely crucial for maximum crispiness. Once the chicken pieces are fully dredged, let them sit undisturbed on the wire rack or baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes. During this resting period, the flour mixture absorbs the surface moisture from the chicken and the brine, creating a drier, more cohesive coating. This adhesion prevents the coating from falling off during frying and ensures a significantly crispier final product.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 3-4 inches of high-heat oil (like peanut, avocado, or canola oil) in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The ideal frying temperature is 350ºF (175ºC). Use a clip-on thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, or frequently test with a digital thermometer. Once the oil is hot and stable, carefully lower the chicken pieces into the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry each batch for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). For an extra-crispy, truly superior sandwich, consider a double-fry: remove the chicken to a wire rack after the first fry and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes (you can fry your second batch during this time). Then, return the chicken to the hot oil for a second fry of 1-2 minutes per side until it’s deeply golden and shatteringly crispy. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt after removing from the oil.
5. Assemble the Sandwich: While your chicken is resting, lightly toast your chosen buns for added texture and warmth. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise or our homemade sweet and tangy sauce (recipe below) on both sides of the toasted buns. Layer your crispy chicken with fresh toppings like sliced cheese, thinly sliced sweet onions, crisp romaine lettuce, and plenty of dill pickles. For an authentic Southern touch, you could even opt for a creamy coleslaw instead of or in addition to lettuce and pickles!

Perfect Pairings: Toppings for Your Crispy Chicken Masterpiece

The right toppings can transform a great chicken sandwich into an unforgettable one. Here are some classic and creative ideas:

• Homemade Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is a quintessential Southern accompaniment that adds both crunch and freshness.
• Pickles: Essential for that contrasting tang and crunch. Dill pickles are classic, but for an adventurous twist, consider adding fried pickles!
• Homemade Sweet and Tangy Sauce: Our special Chick-fil-A style sauce (recipe below) is a must-try for its perfectly balanced flavor.
• Thinly Sliced Sweet Onions: A subtle bite of onion can add a fresh, aromatic element without overpowering the chicken.
• Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp, cool counterpoint to the warm fried chicken.
• Sliced Cheese: A melty slice of cheddar, American, or Monterey Jack can add creaminess and a savory kick.
• Beefsteak Tomato Slices: Fresh, juicy tomato offers a burst of freshness and a slight acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.

Whip Up Your Own Tangy & Sweet Chick-Fil-A Style Sauce

No crispy chicken sandwich is complete without the perfect sauce, and this homemade Chick-fil-A style sauce is a game-changer! It’s incredibly simple to whip up and tastes remarkably similar to the beloved original. You’ll find yourself slathering it on your sandwich and even dipping your crispy waffle fries into it!

Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible sauce:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons bbq sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ½-1 tablespoon sriracha (omit for less heat, adjust to your spice preference)

More Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed crafting this amazing crispy chicken sandwich, you might also like these other flavorful recipes:

• Crispy Chicken Salad with Sriracha Honey BBQ Dressing
• Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi)
• Best Homemade Sloppy Joes
• Easy Chicken Gyros with French Fries
• 20-Minute Greek Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Original Recipe Shared June 2020, updated August 2023.