Nothing beats the crunch of perfectly fried buffalo chicken sandwiched between two buttery brioche buns. This sandwich is marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated in a flavorful seasoned breading, and fried to golden perfection. Every bite delivers a crispy, juicy, and spicy punch, perfectly complemented by a cooling dilly blue cheese sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, game day, or just craving a seriously good sandwich, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Serve it with a side of fries, coleslaw, or pickles for a complete meal. This is a next-level buffalo chicken experience you won’t forget!
Full Recipe:
Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved and pounded to ¼” thickness
- 2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp white vinegar, let sit for 5 min)
- ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 4 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for toasting buns)
Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup potato starch (or substitute with cornstarch)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Dilly Blue Cheese Sauce:
- ¼ cup sour cream + 1 tbsp (or Greek yogurt/Labneh)
- 3 tbsp blue cheese crumbles
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried chives
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp sea salt or kosher salt
Extras:
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Spring mix or lettuce
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken in half lengthwise and pound to ¼” thickness.
- Place in a resealable bag with buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Breading:
- In a large bowl, whisk together all breading ingredients.
- Add a few tablespoons of buttermilk to the dry mix and stir to create craggly bits.
Bread the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge evenly in the breading mixture.
- Place on a plate and let rest for 15 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours).
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
- Sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Melt butter in a pan and toast the buns until golden brown.
- Place a layer of spring mix on the bottom bun, followed by the crispy chicken.
- Top with a generous dollop of blue cheese sauce and the top bun.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Marinating Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes | Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Epic Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Comfort Food
The Epic Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. A tender buttermilk-marinated chicken breast is fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, and finally topped with a creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. All this goodness is sandwiched between a buttery brioche bun, making this one irresistible dish. This sandwich is a perfect meal for a casual dinner, a weekend cookout, or even as a game-day treat.
The Art of Marinating Chicken for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness
To achieve the best possible flavor and tenderness in your fried chicken, marinating the chicken is a crucial step. Buttermilk is often used for marination because its acidity helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it incredibly tender. The buttermilk also helps the seasoning penetrate the chicken, adding flavor from the inside out. You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of four hours, though leaving it overnight will yield even better results. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
In addition to the buttermilk, the hot sauce adds a bit of heat to the marinade. This infuses the chicken with a subtle layer of spiciness that pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy breading. The heat level can be adjusted based on personal preference, but Frank’s Red Hot is the classic choice for buffalo wings and provides the perfect amount of spice and tang.
Breading the Chicken for Ultimate Crispiness
The breading mixture is where the magic happens when it comes to achieving that coveted crispy coating. The combination of all-purpose flour and potato starch is a game-changer. Potato starch, in particular, is known for its ability to create an extra-crispy texture when fried. It ensures the breading adheres to the chicken perfectly, giving it that satisfying crunch with each bite.
Seasoning the breading with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano not only enhances the flavor but also adds depth to the coating. The breading is essential for balancing out the spicy buffalo sauce, so it’s important to make sure it is well-seasoned and evenly distributed on the chicken.
Frying the Chicken to Perfection
The key to a crispy, golden exterior is proper frying technique. It’s essential to use the right amount of oil and heat it to the correct temperature. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice for frying because it retains heat evenly, ensuring that the chicken cooks perfectly on all sides. The oil should be heated to about 350°F (175°C), which is the optimal temperature for frying chicken. If the oil is too hot, the breading may burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy sandwich.
Once the oil is at the right temperature, carefully drop the breaded chicken into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Each piece should be cooked for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the breading is golden and crispy. After frying, allow the chicken to drain on a wire rack to keep it crisp.
Tossing the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
The buffalo sauce is what truly elevates this sandwich, giving it that signature spicy kick. The fried chicken is carefully tossed in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce. The butter helps mellow out the spiciness of the sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavor. For extra richness, the sauce can be drizzled over the chicken or, for a more even coating, you can dip the chicken into the sauce.
The key to a great buffalo chicken sandwich is ensuring that the chicken is coated thoroughly in the sauce without being drenched. You want to taste the buffalo sauce in every bite, but the crispy texture of the chicken should still shine through.
The Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce: A Perfect Balance of Tang and Creaminess
A buffalo chicken sandwich wouldn’t be complete without the addition of a creamy blue cheese sauce. The tangy, rich flavor of blue cheese complements the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully, balancing out the spiciness and adding a luxurious texture to the sandwich.
To make the blue cheese sauce, combine sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a bit of onion powder. This combination creates a sauce that’s both creamy and tangy, with just enough kick to add complexity to the sandwich. If you prefer a more intense blue cheese flavor, you can add more crumbles, or adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Start with a toasted brioche bun, which adds a sweet and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chicken and the richness of the blue cheese sauce. The toasted buns help keep the sandwich from getting soggy, while adding a touch of crunch.
Spread a generous layer of the dilly blue cheese sauce on the bottom bun. Then, add a handful of spring mix or lettuce for some freshness and crunch. Place the crispy fried chicken on top, and finish with another dollop of the blue cheese sauce before closing the sandwich with the top bun. The result is a sandwich that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Customizing the Sandwich to Your Taste
One of the best things about the Epic Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is its versatility. You can easily adjust the heat level by using more or less hot sauce, or by switching to a milder sauce if you prefer. Additionally, you can swap out the brioche buns for other types of bread, such as potato rolls or ciabatta, depending on your preferences.
For a healthier twist, you can replace the fried chicken with grilled chicken or even try using a plant-based chicken substitute for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as pickles, tomatoes, or even a drizzle of honey to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Perfect Sides to Pair with the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
While the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is a star on its own, it’s always nice to have some tasty sides to accompany it. Classic options include crispy fries or onion rings, which add a satisfying crunch and help balance the richness of the sandwich. A side of coleslaw is another great choice, as the creamy texture and tangy flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chicken.
For a lighter option, you could serve the sandwich with a side salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of the vegetables and the acidity of the dressing will help cut through the richness of the sandwich, making for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Sandwich for Every Occasion
The Epic Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of crispy chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy blue cheese makes for a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion, this sandwich is sure to impress.
With its bold flavors, crispy texture, and customizable elements, this sandwich can easily be adapted to suit any taste. So, grab your ingredients, get your frying pan ready, and treat yourself to one of the most satisfying sandwiches you’ll ever make. Your taste buds will thank you!