After trying all the major fast food chain’s chicken sandwiches, I decided to come up with my own. I think mine is better than all the restaurant versions. Give it a try—I bet you’ll agree!
PREP: 15 MIN. + MARINATING
COOK: 20 MIN./BATCH
MAKES: 6 SERVINGS
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 oz. each)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. each onion powder and paprika
- 2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 6 brioche hamburger buns, split
- Optional: Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickle slices, onion slices, mayonnaise
1. Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half; place in a large bowl. Add buttermilk and hot sauce; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°. Stir eggs into chicken mixture. In a shallow dish, whisk flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper and salt. Remove the chicken from buttermilk mixture. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, firmly patting to help coating adhere. Repeat, dipping chicken again in buttermilk mixture and then dredging in flour mixture.
3. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Using a pastry brush, lightly dab both sides of chicken with oil until no dry breading remains.
4. In batches, arrange the chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until a thermometer reads 165° and coating is golden brown and crispy, 7-8 minutes on each side. Remove chicken; keep warm. Toast buns in air fryer until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Top bun bottoms with chicken. If desired, serve with optional toppings.
1 sandwich: 384 cal., 17g fat (3g sat. fat), 136mg chol., 777mg sod., 31g carb. (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g pro.
AIR-FRYING TIP
If you like the signature spicy mayo served on some fast-food chain chicken sandwiches, you’ll love how easy it is to replicate it at home. Simply mix together mayonnaise and your favorite hot pepper sauce, adjusted to whatever heat level you prefer.
