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If you are craving a crunchy, spicy, and downright satisfying meal that comes together with ease, this Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is exactly what you need. From the tender buttermilk-marinated chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy crust to the iconic tangy Buffalo sauce that ties it all together, every bite bursts with bold flavor and comforting goodness. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a sandwich, great for sharing or indulging all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe thrives on simple yet essential ingredients that pack a punch. Each element plays a crucial part—whether it’s creating a crispy crust, adding a mellow tang, or bringing freshness and texture to the sandwich.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s easy to slice and adapt to your preferred thickness.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: They combine for a crispy coating that’s light yet crunchy.
- Ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: A trio of spices that enhance aroma and flavor depth.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Buffalo sauce: The tangy, spicy finish that turns simple chicken into a knockout sandwich filling.
- Cooking oil: To get that perfect golden fry on the chicken pieces.
- Hamburger buns: Toasted for texture and to hold all the flavorful fillings securely.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with richness during marination.
- Hot sauce: Adds an extra kick to the marinade, enhancing the Buffalo sauce flavors throughout.
- Sliced tomato and leaf lettuce: Freshness and crunch to balance out the spicy, rich chicken.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy, cooling complements to mellow the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
Start by slicing each boneless chicken breast into halves so you end up with four thinner pieces. Pounding them evenly to about half an inch thick ensures they cook quickly and maintain moisture. Using plastic wrap while pounding keeps your kitchen tidy and the chicken intact.
Step 2: Marinate for Juiciness and Flavor
Combine the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag with buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. This marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully while infusing subtle heat. A few hours to overnight in the refrigerator is ideal, but even a short marination imparts great taste.
Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Flour Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the crispy coating and ensures every bite has an enticing crunch paired with layered flavors that complement the Buffalo sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Drain and Dredge the Chicken
Drain the chicken from the marinade and give each piece a generous dip in the seasoned flour mixture. Letting them rest on a parchment-lined sheet for 20 to 30 minutes helps the coating set, making the second dredge more effective and the final crust even crispier.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a sturdy pan or Dutch oven with about an inch of oil to 350°F. Before frying, dredge the chicken once more for that extra crispy layer. Fry the pieces in batches for a couple minutes per side until golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain briefly on a rack over paper towels to keep them crisp.
Step 6: Toss in the Irresistible Buffalo Sauce
While still hot, toss each chicken piece in the Buffalo sauce so they soak up that signature tangy and spicy kick. This last step infuses the crispy crust with moisture and flavor, making each bite explosively delicious.
Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Finally, build your sandwiches on toasted buns layered with leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, the juicy Buffalo chicken, and a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This combination offers a perfect balance of heat, cool creaminess, and fresh crunch in every satisfying mouthful.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding crisp celery sticks or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can enhance the presentation while providing refreshing contrast. Pickles on the side or a layer of thinly sliced red onion add extra zing and texture that complement the bold Buffalo flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic pairs include crispy French fries, crunchy coleslaw, or even a vibrant green salad. For a cozy meal, creamy mac and cheese or loaded potato wedges work wonderfully. These sides help balance the spicy chicken with creamy, salty, or fresh elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken open-faced with a slice of sharp cheddar melted on top, or wrap the sandwich in parchment paper with a colorful toothpick for parties. You can even use mini slider buns for bite-size versions perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Buffalo chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep sandwich components separate to prevent the buns from getting soggy and reassemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Freezing
You can freeze fried Buffalo chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This is a great option to enjoy quick sandwiches later without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Rewarm the buns separately if needed for the freshest bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when frying. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs are often a bit thicker, and make sure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce in the marinade and the Buffalo sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, use less hot sauce or choose a milder Buffalo sauce variety.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. After dredging the chicken, place it on a greased baking rack and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Butter the cut sides lightly and toast them in a hot skillet or on a grill until golden and slightly crisp. This adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess from the sandwich fillings.
Can I prepare the chicken coating mixture in advance?
Yes, mixing the spices into the flour and cornstarch ahead of time is convenient and allows the flavors to blend well. Store it in an airtight container until ready to use to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines crispy, spicy, and creamy elements with fresh textures in the most delightful way. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, it promises an unforgettable meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, flavorful magic of homemade Buffalo chicken sandwiches.
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Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2-24 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches featuring tender fried chicken breasts marinated in spicy buttermilk, double-dredged in a seasoned flour coating, fried to golden perfection, tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce, and served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Flour Coating
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- Cooking oil (for frying, enough to fill pan about 1 inch deep)
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- Sliced tomato
- Leaf lettuce
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, cut each chicken breast in half to create four thin pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Marinate: Put the pounded chicken pieces in a plastic zip-top bag. Add buttermilk, hot sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Massage to coat, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare Flour Mixture and Sauce: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, remaining salt, and pepper. Pour Buffalo sauce into a separate bowl and set aside.
- Drain and Dredge: Remove chicken from marinade and drain excess liquid in a colander. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, coating completely, then lay on the prepared baking sheet and let rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the coating to firm up.
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 inch of cooking oil in a frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Second Dredge: Before frying, dredge the rested chicken pieces again through the flour mixture to ensure a double coating for extra crispiness.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry chicken in batches for 2-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove chicken and place on a cooling rack over paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Immediately toss the fried chicken pieces in the prepared Buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble Sandwiches: On toasted hamburger buns, layer leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, the Buffalo sauced chicken, and finish with a spread of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for a longer time (up to 24 hours) enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Double dredging and allowing the coating to rest before frying helps achieve a extra crispy crust.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing excess oil.
- You can adjust the Buffalo sauce amount or dressing to suit your desired spice level and creaminess.
- Leftover fried chicken can be reheated in an air fryer or oven for best retention of crispiness.
