If you’re craving something that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor, this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender buttermilk-marinated chicken thighs and a spicy aioli that kicks, it’s a total game-changer for sandwich lovers!

The image shows a fried chicken sandwich served on a white plate with a side of green leafy salad. The sandwich has four main layers: the shiny golden-brown top bun, a creamy beige sauce with black pepper specks, a crispy and golden fried chicken fillet with a crunchy texture, and the bottom bun which is golden and slightly toasted, with a layer of grilled pickles and more of the creamy sauce. In the background, there is a second sandwich slightly out of focus and a small glass bowl full of the same creamy sauce with a white spoon inside. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of fried chicken sandwiches, but getting that perfect crispy crust and juicy bite can be tricky. This recipe nails it every time, and it’s easier than you might think to whip up at home.

Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Buttermilk marinade keeps the thighs tender and flavorful.
Crispy, Crunchy Coating: Potato starch creates an ultra-crisp crust without heaviness.
Spicy Aioli Twist: A tangy, garlicky sauce with a pop of heat and balsamic sweetness.
Customizable and Gluten Free: Swap buns or toppings easily to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving in, let’s take a quick look at the key ingredients you’ll need and why each one is essential for making this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich pop.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken thighs arranged neatly, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, three whole garlic cloves with smooth skins, a small white bowl of fine sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of paprika powder in deep red tones, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of golden potato starch, a small white bowl of smooth mayonnaise, a small white bowl of dark balsamic glaze, a small white bowl of whole grain mustard with visible seeds, four shiny golden brioche burger buns stacked, fresh vibrant green lettuce leaves, and a few crisp green pickle slices placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender even after frying, unlike breasts that can dry out.
Buttermilk: The acid tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick for that crispy bite.
Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle spicy warmth both in the marinade and the aioli.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These round out the flavor in the marinade with a savory punch.
Paprika: Brings smoky depth and a beautiful color to the coating.
Sugar: Balances the spices and helps with browning during frying.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything perfectly.
Potato Starch: Creates that incredibly crispy crust; you can substitute cornstarch if needed.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy aioli.
Garlic Cloves: Black garlic adds sweetness and complexity, but regular garlic works great too.
Balsamic Glaze: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang that elevates the sauce.
Whole Grain Mustard: Gives the aioli a subtle zing and texture.
Brioche Buns: Buttery and soft, they hold everything together perfectly—gluten free options work too.
Pickles and Lettuce: Classic sandwich fixings that add crunch and tang.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste buds. Whether you want it spicier, milder, or packed with extra veggies, you can customize every layer of flavor and texture.

Gluten-Free Delight: I love swapping the brioche buns for gluten-free buns and sticking with potato starch for coating to keep the sandwich safe and just as delicious for gluten-sensitive friends.
Extra Heat: Once, I doubled the hot sauce in both the marinade and aioli for a fiery twist that had everyone reaching for seconds. Just be sure to balance the spice with cooling lettuce or cheese!
Cheesy Upgrade: Adding a slice of sharp cheddar or melty pepper jack between the crispy chicken and pickles gives an indulgent creamy layer that’s hard to resist.
Seasonal Veggies: During summer, swapping pickles for fresh tomato slices or crisp cucumbers adds refreshing brightness to the sandwich.
Lean Option: For a leaner take, I’ve tried chicken breasts instead of thighs, but honestly, the thighs keep the sandwich juicy and tender every time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

A close-up of a single piece of raw chicken covered in a thick layer of white flour coating, showing a cracked and uneven texture with some orange color from the chicken visible below the flour. The chicken lies on a white plate with blue striped edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Juicy, Flavorful Bites

Start by combining buttermilk, ¼ cup hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sugar, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs, making sure each piece is submerged in that flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to soak for at least 4 hours—overnight if you can. This step is key to tender, juicy chicken that’s packed with delicious layers of flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Spicy Aioli Sauce

While the chicken marinates, blend or finely mince 3 garlic cloves (I highly recommend black garlic for its sweet depth). Mix the garlic with mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons hot sauce, balsamic glaze, and whole grain mustard until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate the spicy aioli to let the flavors meld—this sauce will be the perfect punchy companion to your crispy chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with a Crispy Crust

Remove your chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Coat each thigh generously with potato starch—this helps create that signature crispy crust. Don’t be shy about using a little extra starch to get the perfect crunch. Shake off any surplus so it’s not too heavy before frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to exactly 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces. Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil—fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece for about 8-10 minutes until the exterior is a gorgeous golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Toast the Buns for Extra Texture

Lightly toast your brioche burger buns in a skillet or oven until they have a slight golden crust. This adds a buttery crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy under all that juicy goodness.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dream Sandwich

Spread a generous amount of your spicy aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer on fresh lettuce and pickles, then nestle the hot, crispy fried chicken right on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, add tomato slices or cheese now. Cap it with the bun top and you’re ready to indulge in the best Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich ever.

Step 7: Serve Immediately and Savor Every Bite

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and hot while the chicken is still crispy and the aioli is cool and tangy. Gather your friends or family and watch these sandwiches disappear fast—because once you’ve had one, there’s no going back!

Top Tip

Mastering the crispy fried chicken sandwich is all about the details. These tips will help you achieve that perfect crunch, juicy interior, and balanced flavor every time you make this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe.

Marinate Thoroughly: Let the chicken soak in the buttermilk marinade for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This step is what keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful beneath the crispy crust.
Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the chicken in batches if needed. Crowding lowers the oil’s temperature and leads to greasy, soggy crust instead of crispy perfection.
Use Potato Starch Generously: Coat the chicken well and add more potato starch if needed. This starch creates that delicate yet crunchy coating that’s hard to beat.
Temperature Is Key: Maintain your oil at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to be sure. Too hot and the crust will burn before the chicken cooks through, too cool and the crust will absorb excess oil.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Two fried chicken sandwiches are shown on a wooden board with some green herbs around. Each sandwich has a soft shiny golden brown bun on top and bottom. The bottom bun holds fresh green and purple leafy lettuce. On top of the lettuce, there is a large piece of crispy fried chicken with a rough orange crust. Over the chicken is a thick layer of creamy white sauce with small green herb pieces visible. The top bun rests slightly tilted on one sandwich, showing the sauce and chicken clearly. The background surface has been changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the classic pickles and lettuce included in the recipe, I love adding slices of ripe tomato for freshness or a slice of sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for some melty richness. Thinly sliced red onions or a few jalapeño slices can add a nice bite and an extra kick if you like things spicy.

Side Dishes

This sandwich shines alongside crispy fries—be it classic potato fries, sweet potato fries, or even a batch of crunchy baked zucchini fries. For a lighter side, a simple coleslaw or tangy vinegar-based cucumber salad pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken and aioli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover fried chicken, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sandwich fresh, it's best to assemble just before serving.

Freezing

The fried chicken thighs freeze well on their own. After cooling completely, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches as the buns will become soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature crunch. Toast fresh buns before assembling your sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this sandwich?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when fried, which really makes a difference in the final sandwich.

How spicy is the spicy aioli, and can I adjust it?

The aioli has a nice balanced heat that complements the fried chicken without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce in both the marinade and aioli to suit your spice tolerance.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten free burger buns and use potato starch or cornstarch instead of flour to coat the chicken. This keeps the dish deliciously crispy and safe for gluten sensitive diets.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked safely?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is juicy, safe to eat, and perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

Crafting this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe at home brings that unbeatable restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a crunchy golden crust and the zingy, creamy spicy aioli tying everything together, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any table. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, these sandwiches come together with love—and a little crispy magic. So grab your skillet, get frying, and enjoy every satisfying bite!