Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: A Recipe Breakdown

The allure of a crispy buffalo chicken sandwich is undeniable. That perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken, a fiery buffalo sauce coating, and cool, creamy extras nestled in a soft bun is pure sandwich satisfaction. This recipe delivers just that, and with a little planning and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be a homegating hero in no time.

More Than Just a Meal: A Buffalo Chicken Breakdown

Before we dive into the delicious details, let’s explore the star ingredient: the buffalo chicken. Buffalo wings, the inspiration for this sandwich, have a rich history. While their exact origin is debated, most accounts place their creation in the city of Buffalo, New York, sometime in the 1960s. Legend tells of a bar owner tossing leftover wings in a spicy hot sauce concoction, and a national phenomenon was born.

The buffalo sauce itself is a key player. While there are many variations, it typically combines Frank’s RedHot sauce with butter and vinegar, creating a tangy, spicy base. This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

The Art of the Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe yields six satisfying sandwiches, perfect for a gathering or a meal prep plan. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Preparation (25 minutes + 2 hours marinating):

Slice the Chicken: Begin by thinly slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally. This ensures even cooking and creates those perfect bite-sized pieces for the sandwich.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: In a resealable bag, combine the chicken with buttermilk, buffalo sauce, and garlic powder. Buttermilk is a magic ingredient in marinades, adding tenderness and moisture to the chicken. The buffalo sauce and garlic powder infuse the chicken with flavor during its slumber in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor absorption.

Cooking the Chicken (25 minutes):

Preheat the Oven: While the chicken marinates, get your oven ready. A temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) will gently cook the chicken through after it’s pan-fried.
Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. This dry mixture will become the crispy coating for the chicken.
Dredge and Fry: After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the bag, discarding the marinade (it’s absorbed the flavor from the chicken and is no longer needed). Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry the chicken in batches of 2-3 pieces at a time. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. As you remove the cooked chicken, place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Finish Cooking in the Oven: Transfer the pan-fried chicken to a baking sheet. The oven will gently cook the chicken through, ensuring it’s juicy and reaches a safe internal temperature. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.

Building the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (Assembly Time):

Dress Up Your Buns: While the chicken bakes, toast your hamburger buns if desired. This adds a touch of warmth and textural contrast to the sandwich.
Saucy Situation: Here comes the fun part! Remove the chicken from the oven and place a piece on the bottom bun. Drizzle with your desired amount of buffalo sauce. Don’t be shy; go for the flavor you crave!
Classic Combo: Pile on your favorite toppings. This recipe suggests sliced pickles, tomato, and lettuce. Other options include crumbled blue cheese, creamy coleslaw, or a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing.
The Finishing Touch: Add a dollop of ranch dressing to the top bun (optional), then place it on the sandwich to complete your masterpiece.

Buffalo Chicken Bliss: Tips and Tricks

Now that you’ve mastered the recipe, here are some tips to take your buffalo chicken sandwiches to the next level:

Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the finished sandwiches.
Go Bunless: Feeling adventurous? Ditch the bun and serve your buffalo chicken on a bed of greens for a lettuce wrap option.
Chicken Alternatives: While chicken breasts are classic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Leftover Love: Don’t worry about leftover chicken. Chopped buffalo chicken is a delicious addition to salads, quesadillas, or even mac and cheese!
Buffalo Beyond the Sandwich: This recipe’s core concept can be adapted to other dishes. Try buffalo chicken wings, wraps, or even a buffalo chicken mac and cheese casserole.

Beyond the Bite: Buffalo Chicken Fun Facts

Did you know that National Chicken Wing Day is celebrated on July 29th? It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in some buffalo chicken goodness.

Buffalo wings have transcended their bar food origins and become a global phenomenon. They’ve even made an appearance in space! In 2010, NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger enjoyed buffalo wings on the International Space Station.

The Final Buffalo Hurrah

There you have it! This recipe empowers you to create restaurant-worthy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches at home. With a little planning and these detailed instructions, you’re sure to impress your taste buds and conquer any buffalo chicken craving. So fire up the stove, preheat the oven, and get ready to experience sandwich bliss!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

548	Calories
19g	Fat
47g	Carbs
44g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 548
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g	25%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 99mg	33%
Sodium 764mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate 47g	17%
Dietary Fiber 3g	9%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 44g	89%
Vitamin C 10mg	11%
Calcium 166mg	13%
Iron 4mg	25%
Potassium 555mg	12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.