Epic Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

This epic buffalo chicken sandwich nails that crave worthy blend of juicy chicken, fiery sauce, and cool blue cheese you find in your favorite sandwich shops. After years of fiddling with ratios and toppings, I am convinced this homemade version is even better than takeout when you want that perfect crunch and bold flavor.

My first batch came together for game day when I wanted something bold but totally homemade. Now it is our go to for special dinners or any night I need a pick me up.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The heart of your sandwich Choose small evenly sized pieces for even cooking
• Buttermilk: Makes chicken tender and flavorful Go for full fat for the best result
• Hot sauce: Choose a classic buffalo style like Franks Red Hot for authentic flavor
• All purpose flour: Gives sturdy structure and crisp outer shell Fresh flour yields a better crunch
• Potato starch or cornstarch: Ensures a shatteringly crisp breading Potato starch is my secret but cornstarch works in a pinch
• Dried oregano and smoked paprika: Brings savory and smoky depth Paprika adds color
• Sea salt and black pepper: Brightens and balances flavors Use flaked sea salt if you have it
• Garlic powder onion powder and cayenne pepper: Each spice layers in punchiness and gentle heat This is your flavor boost
• Brioche burger buns: Soft slightly sweet bun that stands up to saucy chicken Look for bakery fresh if possible
• Butter: For toasting the buns and adding richness Real butter really makes a difference here
• Spring mix or lettuce: Freshness and a crisp bite Use sturdy leaves for structure
• For Blue Cheese Sauce: Blue cheese crumbles real blue cheese makes this sauce sharp and creamy Sour cream adds tang and body Fresh dill and lemon juice lift the sauce Try and get high quality crumbles for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Mix buttermilk and hot sauce in a large zip top bag and fully submerge the halved chicken breasts Press out extra air to help flavors soak in and refrigerate between four and twenty four hours The longer they sit the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be

Prepare the Blue Cheese Sauce:

Combine blue cheese crumbles sour cream dill garlic lemon juice chives onion powder pepper and sea salt in a bowl Stir thoroughly and taste for seasoning Cover tightly and refrigerate This can be made a day ahead to let flavors meld

Bread the Chicken:

In a wide bowl whisk together flour potato starch oregano smoked paprika salt pepper garlic powder onion powder and cayenne Add a few tablespoons of leftover marinade to the flour and use a fork to toss until tiny lumps or craggly bits form These craggles fry up extra crispy Fully coat each piece of drained chicken in this mixture pressing the breading onto the surface Let coated chicken sit for fifteen minutes at room temperature so the crust sticks

Fry the Chicken:

Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven with two to three inches of oil on medium high Dip a corner of breading in the oil to check if it sizzles Gently lower chicken in batches and fry three to four minutes per side until the crust is golden brown Remove chicken to a wire rack so air circulates and keeps them crispy

Coat the Chicken in Sauce:

While chicken drains melt butter and mix with hot sauce Dip each cooked chicken piece in this sauce making sure every corner is slicked with spicy buttery goodness Do not skip this step as it makes each bite extra rich and flavorful

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Butter brioche buns and toast them cut side down in a skillet until golden Lay down a handful of lettuce or spring mix on the base then top with a hot chicken fillet Spoon a generous dollop of blue cheese sauce over the chicken Cap everything with the top bun and serve while still hot and crisp

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I am obsessed with the blue cheese sauce on this sandwich The balance of sharp cheese cooling sour cream and fresh dill takes it from classic to restaurant worthy My family now requests a little side cup just for extra dipping and even kids who swear they do not like blue cheese end up loving it here

Storage Tips

Keep leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days To reheat and maintain crispiness place pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm in a three hundred seventy five degree oven for about ten minutes Buns and salad greens should be stored separately to avoid sogginess

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat Thighs turn out even juicier For extra mild sandwiches swap hot sauce in the marinade and coating for more buttermilk If you do not have blue cheese feta can be a creamy salty substitute

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair perfectly with oven baked fries a simple slaw or even a side of carrot sticks and celery to echo the classic buffalo wings vibe Extra blue cheese sauce makes a fantastic fry dip too If you like things extra spicy add pickled jalapeno rings under the lettuce

Cultural Spotlight

Buffalo chicken sandwiches take inspiration straight from Buffalo wings which originated in Buffalo New York in the sixties Adding a crunchy fried chicken fillet and serving it on a bun turns the messy bar snack into a hearty dinner sandwich that captures all that tangy buttery glory The homemade touch lets you dial the heat and topping balance to suit your crew

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Each time I serve these buffalo chicken sandwiches the kitchen fills with the unmistakable aroma of toasty buns and tangy hot sauce It feels like bringing the best of a sports bar sandwich right to your own table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you get the chicken crispy?

Use a double dredge with seasoned flour and a touch of buttermilk for crunchy, craggy texture. Fry at medium-high heat for even browning.

→ What type of hot sauce works best?

Classic buffalo-style hot sauces like Frank’s Red Hot are ideal for bold, tangy flavor in both the marinade and buffalo glaze.

→ Can I substitute the blue cheese sauce?

You can swap blue cheese for ranch dressing or herbed yogurt sauce if you prefer a milder or different flavor profile.

→ How do you keep the chicken juicy?

Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, locking in moisture so it remains juicy even after frying.

→ What is the best bread for these sandwiches?

Brioche buns add a buttery, pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with crispy spicy chicken and creamy toppings.