How to Make Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a fan of crispy, juicy fried chicken sandwiches, then you're in for a treat with this copycat recipe. Fried chicken sandwiches have become a staple in American fast-food culture, and for good reason. The combination of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown fried chicken paired with soft buns and tangy pickles is pure comfort food at its finest.

While you could always head to your favorite fast-food joint to satisfy your cravings, there's something special about making your own co...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
  • 4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup milk
  • canola oil for frying
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, toasted and buttered
  • 6 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
  • 12 dill pickle slices, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches

  • Whisk buttermilk, salt, hot sauce, and ranch dressing mix together in a large bowl. Cut diagonal slits into the thick ends of chicken breasts and toss into marinade until well coated. Transfer to the refrigerator to marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
  • Meanwhile, make the breading: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, cayenne, and ranch dressing mix together in a shallow dish.
  • Make the wash: Whisk egg, buttermilk, and milk together in another bowl until combined.
  • Use a fork to pull chicken from marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dip into the breading to coat both sides; shake off any excess. Dip into egg wash mixture to saturate surface; return to breading to coat, shake off excess, and repeat once more. Let sit on a wire rack to dry, at least 15 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer to between 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Fry chicken breasts in the hot oil until golden, crispy, and no longer pink in the centers, 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a plate topped with crinkled up aluminum foil to prevent bottoms from getting soggy.
  • Spread mayonnaise over hamburger bun halves. Stuff with pickles and chicken.
  • Nutrition

    811 cal.

    • Total Fat: 40g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 140mg
    • Sodium: 3182mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 75g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 37g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 222mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 536mg