Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Aioli

Name: Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Aioli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients: 1 pound of chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness; 1 cup of buttermilk; 1 cup of all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon of garlic powder; 1 teaspoon of paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup of mayonnaise; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon of lemon juice; Salt to taste; 4 burger buns; Lettuce leaves; Tomato slices; Pickles (optional)

Highlighted under: Family Favorite Comfort Food

I love making crispy chicken sandwiches at home, especially when I can top them with homemade aioli. There's something so satisfying about the crunch of the chicken paired with the creamy, garlicky sauce that elevates an ordinary sandwich to something extraordinary. The best part is how customizable it is; you can add your favorite toppings or spices. This recipe has become a go-to for our weekend lunches, and every bite feels like a treat!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-20T13:50:28.381Z

Making this crispy chicken sandwich was a delightful culinary adventure. I experimented with different seasoning blends on the chicken and found that a mix of paprika and garlic powder gives it the perfect depth of flavor. The dual frying technique—first in oil and then finishing in the oven—ensured that the chicken was not only crispy but also juicy inside. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the aioli came together with just a few ingredients; it took my sandwich to the next level!

As I served it up to friends, I realized how versatile this dish can be. Adding some avocado or a slice of cheese offers a delicious twist. Next time, I might even try infusing the aioli with a hint of sriracha for an extra kick. Each sandwich was a hit, and I'm already envisioning how I can turn this into a make-ahead meal prep option. It truly hits the spot every time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crunchy and flavorful chicken that stays juicy
Creamy garlic aioli that complements perfectly
Customizable toppings for personal flair

      

Understanding the Chicken Coating

The coating for the chicken is what truly enhances its texture and flavor. While the buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, the combination of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and paprika in the coating adds a delectable crunch and a layer of complexity to the taste. If you want to elevate the seasoning, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or some dried herbs for an aromatic touch. Remember to let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying; this helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

When frying the chicken, maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy; too hot, and the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, or test with a small piece of bread – it should brown in about 60 seconds when the oil is ready.

Perfecting the Aioli

Aioli is not just a condiment; it’s the heart of this sandwich. The combination of mayonnaise and minced garlic delivers a rich, creamy texture with a punch of flavor. To achieve the best results, allow the aioli to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the garlic's flavor to mellow and infuse the mayonnaise, creating a beautifully balanced sauce. You can also experiment by adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or some chopped fresh herbs for an extra flavor kick.

Should you ever have leftover aioli, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It pairs wonderfully not just with this sandwich, but also makes a delightful dip for vegetables or fries, adding versatility to your culinary creations.

Customization and Variations

One of the beautiful aspects of the crispy chicken sandwich is its versatility. You can customize it with various toppings to fit your taste preferences. For a spicy twist, you could add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the aioli. Alternatively, for a southwestern flair, try adding avocado slices or salsa. For a healthier option, use whole grain buns and wrap the sandwich in lettuce leaves instead of traditional burger buns.

If you're feeding a crowd and want to scale up this recipe, simply triple or quadruple the chicken batter components and use multiple skillets for frying. This way, you’ll minimize the wait time and serve everyone hot, crispy sandwiches without sacrificing quality. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces to ensure they are cooked through.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Sandwich

For the Chicken

1 pound of chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
1 cup of buttermilk
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Aioli

1/2 cup of mayonnaise
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt to taste

For Assembling

4 burger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Pickles (optional)

Instructions

Instructions for Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Make the Aioli

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside in the fridge.

Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the burger buns, then layer with lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, and a generous spread of aioli. Top with the crispy chicken and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in flour before frying. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying will help maintain its crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy chicken sandwich pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw to complement the sandwich's crunch and richness. A light salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the flavors perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast.

For a more indulgent meal, serve the sandwich with homemade potato wedges seasoned with herbs. The crispy, salty edges of the wedges harmonize nicely with the juicy chicken while providing an enjoyable textural contrast.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare components ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk the night before. This will not only save you time but also result in even more flavorful, tender chicken once cooked. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to coat and fry.

The aioli can also be made in advance. Its flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Just ensure you taste and adjust the seasonings before serving, as flavors can mellow over time.

Leftover Ideas

If you have leftover crispy chicken, consider shredding it to top a salad or mixing it into a wrap for a quick lunch option. The chicken stays juicy and can enhance a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to your meal prep.

Alternatively, you could use any leftover aioli as a spread for sandwiches or a dip for snacks. Its versatility can elevate simple meals, ensuring nothing goes to waste while keeping your meals interesting throughout the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and will add more moisture.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to coat the chicken.

→ What can I serve with the sandwiches?

Fries or a fresh salad are great side options.

→ Can I prepare the aioli in advance?

Absolutely! The aioli can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.