Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts and slice them into sandwich-size cutlets.
- Pickle juice: Adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps the coating stick.
- Egg: Helps create a rich coating that fries up crisp.
- Hot sauce: Optional, for a mild spicy flavor in the marinade.
For the Crispy Coating
- All-purpose flour: Creates the classic crispy chicken breading.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a subtle copycat-style sweetness and helps with golden color.
- Paprika: Adds color and mild warmth.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor.
- Onion powder: Gives the coating a deeper flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the chicken coating well.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, for a spicy sandwich.
- Baking powder: Helps make the coating lighter and crispier.
For Frying and Assembling
- Peanut oil or neutral oil: Peanut oil gives a classic flavor, but use canola or vegetable oil if needed.
- Hamburger buns or brioche buns: Soft buns work best with crispy chicken.
- Butter: For toasting the buns.
- Dill pickle chips: Essential for that classic sandwich flavor.
- Optional sauce: Mayo, honey mustard, ranch, spicy mayo, or copycat-style sauce.
Best Chicken Tip
Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
Best Coating Tip
After coating the chicken in flour, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before frying. This helps the breading stick better and become crispier.
Allergy Note
If you or someone you are serving has a peanut allergy, do not use peanut oil. Use a safe neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil instead.
