Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that'll make your taste buds dance with Southern delight! Our Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich isn't just a meal - it's a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine. With a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken thigh nestled between toasted buns and topped with fresh crisp vegetables, this sandwich is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're craving a weekend treat or looking to impress your friends with restaurant-quality cooking, this recipe is your ticket to culinary heaven!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce and tomato for toppings
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best results.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your toppings. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and slice the tomato into even rounds. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your seasoned flour for dredging the chicken.
- After marinating, remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat and add enough oil to submerge the chicken thighs (about 1-2 inches deep). The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, toast the hamburger buns in the same skillet or a toaster until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with lettuce and tomato slices, then place the top half of the bun on top.
- Serve the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwiches immediately while hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes if desired.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For the most tender and flavorful chicken, allow your chicken thighs to marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil is precisely 350°F. Too low, and your chicken will be greasy; too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy and golden brown.
- Let it Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack to keep the coating crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with the flour mixture by adding cayenne for heat, or dried herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
- Safety First: Always use tongs when placing chicken in hot oil, and be careful of oil splatters.
- Serve Immediately: These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after assembly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 76mg
