If you are craving a sandwich that combines bold flavors with unbeatable crunch, the Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breast pounded thin then soaked in tangy buttermilk, double-dusted with a flavorful blend of spices and potato starch for that next-level crispiness, and finally drenched in a luscious buffalo butter sauce that’s spicy and rich. Finished off with a cool, creamy dilly blue cheese sauce and nestled into a lightly toasted brioche bun, this sandwich is a party of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. It’s comfort food elevated in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it real—the magic of this Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and crunch, from the marinating buttermilk to the perfectly seasoned breading and the finishing creamy sauces.
- Chicken breasts: Small, boneless, and skinless, pounded to 1/4” thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Buttermilk: The secret tenderizer that also adds a subtle tang, helping the breading stick perfectly.
- Hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended): Brings that fiery, classic buffalo zing when combined with butter.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps balance the heat of the sauce.
- Brioche buns: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet to hold all that flavorful chicken.
- Spring mix or lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and a touch of bright green color.
- All-purpose flour and potato starch: Essential for that ultra-crispy breading with a light texture.
- Spices (oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper): Create a perfectly seasoned crust that makes every bite exciting.
- Sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, garlic, dill, lemon juice, chives, and seasonings: Together these craft the zesty, creamy dilly blue cheese sauce that cools down the buffalo heat beautifully.
How to Make Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so each piece is uniform in size. Place them in a resealable bag or between plastic wraps and gently pound to about 1/4 inch thickness. This step is crucial—it ensures quick and even cooking, plus the perfect amount of juiciness inside that crackling crust outside. Then, submerge the chicken in buttermilk in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. This tender marinade sets the foundation for tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture
While your chicken is marinating, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, potato starch, and all those vibrant spices like oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Adding potato starch here is the game-changer that gives you that serious “extra crispy” texture. Before breading, mix a bit of the marinade into the dry mix so it clumps up—this creates the perfect craggy coating that holds like a charm when fried.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and immediately coat it in your breading mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Lay the breaded chicken on a plate and let it rest for 15 minutes or chill for up to two hours to help the crust set. This little wait helps lock in that crunchy crust that every fried chicken lover dreams of.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough (test by dropping some breading in to see if it sizzles without burning), carefully add two pieces of chicken. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the chicken turns a mouthwatering golden brown color. Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil without losing crispiness. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
Step 5: Coat with Buffalo Sauce
Melt butter and whisk it together with hot sauce to create that classic buffalo batter. Dip each piece of fried chicken on both sides into the sauce, letting it soak in all that spicy, buttery goodness. Placing it back on the wire rack lets the sauce set perfectly without making the crust soggy.
Step 6: Prepare the Dilly Blue Cheese Sauce
For the sauce that balances out the heat, finely chop fresh dill and mix with sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, garlic, lemon juice, chives, and seasoning. This creamy, herby sauce adds a refreshing coolness that transforms the sandwich from delicious to unforgettable. Bonus: you can make this ahead and keep it chilled for up to two days.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast your brioche buns in melted butter until just golden and a little crisp on the edges. Layer the bottom bun with fresh spring mix for a crunchy bed, add the buffalo-coated chicken, and finish off with a generous dollop of that dilly blue cheese sauce. Top it with the bun, press gently, and get ready to dig into a sandwich that’s the perfect combo of spicy, crispy, creamy, and fresh.
How to Serve Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches can elevate your sandwich experience. Thin slices of pickles or a few rings of red onion add tang and crunch, while a sprinkle of extra blue cheese on top gives each bite a punch of sharp creaminess. If you’re a fan of heat, a dash of cayenne or hot sauce drizzle can crank it up even more.
Side Dishes
This sandwich shines alongside classic sides like crispy fries, maybe sweet potato fries if you want a little sweetness. For a lighter option, try a crisp celery and carrot stick combo or even a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Slice the sandwich in half to show off the crispy crust and colorful layers inside. Serve on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and blue cheese dip for dipping — it turns an already fantastic meal into a fun, interactive feast perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to two days, but keep in mind the breading may soften as it sits.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, sauced chicken separately by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will preserve its flavor and texture for up to one month. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich to keep the bun fresh.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat your chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, checking to make sure it’s warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it often turns the breading soggy. Toast fresh buns just before assembling for the best sandwich experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work and offer a juicier bite, though they may take slightly longer to cook. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness for consistent frying.
What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
A quick substitute is mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics the acidity and tenderizing effects of buttermilk nicely.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce or use a milder variety. The creamy dilly blue cheese sauce will also help mellow out the heat if you want to keep some kick without overwhelming spice.
Is potato starch necessary in the breading?
While you can bread without potato starch, including it is key to achieving that crispy, crackly texture unique to this Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe. If you don’t have it, cornstarch is a decent substitute.
Can I prepare parts of this sandwich in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and make the dilly blue cheese sauce a day ahead. Bread the chicken and refrigerate for a couple of hours before frying on the event day. Toast buns just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one sandwich to add to your must-make list, this Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s rich with flavor, teeming with texture, and comes together in a way that feels both luxurious and comforting. Trust me, once you make it, it will become your new favorite indulgence to share with friends and family. So grab your apron and get frying—delicious awaits!
Print
Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, crispy chicken coated in a flavorful buffalo butter sauce, paired with a creamy dill blue cheese sauce and fresh spring mix, all sandwiched between toasted brioche buns. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, breaded with a seasoned flour blend, fried to golden perfection, and then coated with a tangy hot sauce butter. This sandwich is a delightful way to enjoy classic buffalo chicken with an irresistibly crunchy texture and a fresh, savory finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breast, halved and pounded out to 1/4” thickness
- 2 cups buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup potato starch
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup Hot sauce, such as Frank’s Red Hot
- 4 tbsp melted butter (plus more for toasting buns)
Dilly Blue Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 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
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
Assembly
- 4 brioche burger buns
- spring mix or lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then pound each piece to 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place the chicken in an airtight container or resealable bag and fully submerge with buttermilk. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Make the Breading Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, potato starch, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly combined.
- Prepare the Breading Coating: Add a few tablespoons of buttermilk to the dry breading mixture and toss with a fork to form craggly clumps. This helps the breading stick to the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with the breading mixture. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate and let them rest for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to improve adherence and crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of the breading into the oil — it should sizzle vigorously and not disintegrate immediately.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches of two, gently add the chicken to the hot oil, frying each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and extra crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain the Fried Chicken: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows excess oil to drain away and keeps the breading crisp.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: Melt the butter and whisk it together with the hot sauce until fully combined. Transfer the sauce to a bowl large enough to coat the chicken pieces.
- Coat the Fried Chicken: Dip each fried chicken piece into the buffalo sauce, coating both sides well. Place the coated chicken back on the wire rack until ready to assemble sandwiches.
- Prepare the Dilly Blue Cheese Sauce: Finely chop fresh dill and combine it in a bowl with sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried chives, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well. This sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead for flavors to meld.
- Toast the Buns: Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast them in a pan over medium heat until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On each bottom bun, layer spring mix or lettuce, then place the buffalo-sauced chicken on top. Add a generous dollop of the dilly blue cheese sauce, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately to enjoy the full contrast of crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Using a wire rack to drain fried chicken prevents sogginess and maintains crispiness.
- Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce amount to control the spice level of the buffalo sauce.
- Sour cream in the dilly blue cheese sauce adds extra creaminess and tang.
- This sandwich is best served fresh but leftover sauced chicken can be reheated in a hot oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4-12 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American