Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich

These chicken thighs stay juicy during frying and the seasoned flour coating crisps up perfectly in a cast iron pan

Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Rest Time: 4-24 Hours | Cook Time: 10 Minutes | Active Time: 25 Minutes | Makes 2 Sandwiches
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 1 Cup Buttermilk
    • Note: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup regular milk or half and half with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt (or 3/4 Teaspoon Table Salt)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Regular Paprika
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Corn Starch
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
  • Frying Oil of Your Choice: Enough to fully or at least mostly submerge your chicken. I recommend Peanut Oil
Spicy Mayo
  • 2 Tablespoons Mayo
  • 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
  • Hot Sauce to Taste. I used 1 Teaspoon of Sriracha
Equipment / Supplies
  • Cast Iron Chicken Fryer, Dutch Oven, or Skillet
    • Note: If you use a regular skillet be careful not to overfill with oil or it may splash out or overflow when the chicken is added
  • Medium Size Bowl
  • Plastic Wrap or Gallon Ziplock Bag
  • Kitchen Thermometer

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken
  1. In a medium size bowl, combine the marinade ingredients and stir to incorporate
  2. On your cutting board, cover the chicken thighs with plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Thinner pieces will cook faster and more evenly
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are completely coated
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours. You can cook immediately if strapped for time, but they will be much better if given time to marinate
Breading & Cooking
  1. Remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to cooking
  2. Add your cooking oil to your cast iron chicken fryer, dutch oven, or skillet, ensuring there is enough to cover your chicken but not so much that it will splash or spill out once the chicken is added
  3. Turn your stove to medium heat, if possible place an oven safe kitchen thermometer into the oil and set the temperature alarm for 375 degrees fahrenheit. If you ony have a regular kitchen thermometer check it every few minutes until you've reached cooking temperature
  4. While the oil heats up, mix together your breading ingredients in another medium sized bowl
  5. Once the oil has reached 350 degrees, remove the chicken thighs one at a time from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated
  6. Once the chicken is thoroughly coated, carefully lower the chicken thighs one at a time into the oil with tongs or a frying basket. You may cook more than one at a time, but make sure you don't displace enough oil to spill over the sides, especially if you are using a skillet
  7. Fry for 6-8 minutes, stirring and flipping frequently for even cooking
    8. Note: If you are using an oven thermometer you may notice the temperature drop significantly once the chicken is added. Adjust your stove accordingly to try to keep the temperature as close to 350 degrees as possible
  8. Carefully remove from the oil using tongs or frying basket and place on top of a paper towel on a plate or cutting board, then cover on top with a paper towel as well, to soak up any excess oil
  9. Prepare the buns and toppings of your choice, and enjoy! Need a side? Check out my Oven Baked Potato Chips recipe!
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread
Crusty Dutch Oven French Bread

This site occasionally uses Amazon.com affiliate links to share products. Not all shared products have been used or are recommended, many are simply examples of the type of product required for a specific task. Always do your own research before making a purchase online.

Always use caution when working with heat, electricity, or chemicals. Follow any of the guides on this website at your own risk.

© Cast Iron Evan 2019 - 2022