Description
Golden, crispy chicken fillets with a crunchy, seasoned coating, just like your favorite fast-food classic. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings for a homemade take on the beloved crispy chicken sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for a less crunchy texture)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Burger buns (for sandwiches)
- Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise (for sandwich toppings)
- French fries (for a classic McDonald’s meal experience)
- Dipping sauces (such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard)
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If the breasts are particularly thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures it stays juicy inside while achieving that crispy exterior.
In a large shallow bowl or dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), and baking powder. Stir to combine evenly. The baking powder helps the coating puff up and become extra crispy when fried.
In another shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk (or your buttermilk substitute). If you’re using regular milk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, making sure it is fully coated. Then transfer the chicken to the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly. Be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly, covering all sides with the flour mixture.
Once the chicken is coated in the flour, dip it back into the buttermilk, and then return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double-dipping process ensures a thick, crispy crust.
In a third shallow bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a light, extra-crunchy coating. If you prefer a less crunchy texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. For extra flavor, you can also season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika.
Take each piece of flour-coated chicken and press it into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the entire surface is covered. This final breadcrumb layer is what gives McDonald’s crispy chicken its signature crunch. You can gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
In a deep fryer or large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. It should be between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the crust will burn before the chicken is cooked through.
Carefully lower each piece of coated chicken into the hot oil, one piece at a time, using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Fry each piece of chicken for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on both sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Once the chicken is golden and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet or on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set and stay crispy.
Once the chicken is crispy and fully cooked, serve it as desired. For a classic McDonald’s-style meal, you can serve it in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. Alternatively, serve the crispy chicken as is with a side of fries and dipping sauces like BBQ or honey mustard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 25-30g