I still remember the first bite of this Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe like it was yesterday. The crunch was unreal, the chicken was juicy, and that bold buffalo kick hit just right. I made it on a lazy weekend, and honestly, it felt better than most restaurant sandwiches I’ve tried.

After a few test runs and tweaks, this version became my go-to. If you love crispy chicken, buttery buns, and spicy sauce, you’re going to love this sandwich as much as I do. You might also enjoy experimenting with flavors from recipes like Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta or the savory Maple Garlic Bacon Chicken for a twist on your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless (pound slightly so they cook evenly and stay juicy inside)

Buttermilk – 2 cups (tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick much better than regular milk)

Hot sauce – ½ cup (use a classic buffalo-style hot sauce for authentic tang and heat)

All-purpose flour – 2 cups (creates the sturdy base of the crispy coating; avoid cake flour)

Cornstarch – ½ cup (key ingredient for extra crispiness and a lighter crunch)

Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon (adds savory flavor without overpowering the buffalo sauce)

Onion powder – 1 teaspoon (balances heat and enhances overall seasoning)

Paprika – 1 teaspoon (adds mild smokiness and gives the crust a golden color)

Salt – 1½ teaspoons (season every layer so the chicken isn’t bland)

Black pepper – 1 teaspoon (adds subtle warmth and depth)

Cayenne pepper – ½ teaspoon, optional (perfect for extra heat lovers)

Eggs – 2 large (helps create a thicker, crunchier crust when breading)

Neutral oil (peanut or vegetable) – for frying (high smoke point oils fry evenly without burning)

Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons (creates a rich, smooth buffalo sauce)

Burger buns – 4 brioche buns (soft texture balances spicy, crispy chicken)

Ranch or blue cheese dressing – ½ cup (cooling contrast to the buffalo heat)

Shredded lettuce – 1 cup (adds freshness and crunch)

Pickles – sliced, optional (adds tang and cuts through the richness)

Note: This ingredient quantity makes 4 generous sandwiches.

Variations

This recipe is flexible, and I’ve tried a few fun twists that work great.

For a dairy-free version, replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with lemon juice and use vegan butter.
If you want it sugar-free, check your hot sauce label and avoid sweetened buns.
For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or a pinch of cumin to the flour mix.
You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.

Cooking Time

This recipe is totally worth the time, and it’s easy to plan.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large mixing bowls – for marinating and breading the chicken
Whisk – to combine eggs, buttermilk, and seasoning evenly
Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven – ensures even frying
Tongs – for safely flipping and removing chicken
Wire rack – keeps chicken crispy after frying
Meat mallet – for even chicken thickness

How to Make Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple stages, and each step builds flavor and crunch.

Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. I make sure every piece is fully submerged. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to lock in moisture and flavor.

Prepare the Crispy Coating

In a separate bowl, I mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. This two-step breading is what makes the crust extra thick and crunchy.

Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mix, then dip into eggs, and back into flour again. I press the coating firmly so it sticks well during frying.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Carefully lower the chicken into the oil and fry for about 6–8 minutes per side. I watch for a deep golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F.

Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken rests, melt butter and whisk it with hot sauce over low heat. This creates a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the crispy chicken.

Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the brioche buns lightly. Toss or brush the fried chicken with buffalo sauce. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, chicken, pickles, and dressing, then top with the other half of the bun.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this sandwich several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help.

I always let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying; it helps the coating stay on.
Using a thermometer changed everything for me—perfect oil temperature means perfect crunch.
I toast the buns with a little butter to prevent them from getting soggy.
When I want extra heat, I add a splash of hot sauce directly into the egg wash.

How to Serve Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe?

This sandwich looks and tastes amazing with a little care in presentation. I usually serve it on a wooden board with fries or potato wedges on the side. Garnish with extra pickles and a drizzle of ranch on top for visual appeal. A side of coleslaw or celery sticks also works great to balance the spice.

Nutritional Information

This sandwich is indulgent but satisfying, especially as a full meal.

Calories: ~720 per sandwich
Protein: High, thanks to the chicken breast
Carbohydrates: Moderate from the bun and coating
Fat: Higher due to frying and sauce

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. I often prep the flour mix earlier in the day to save time later.

Storage

Leftover fried chicken stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and sauce separate for best results.

Reheating

I reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. This brings back the crispiness much better than microwaving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this sandwich keeps me coming back.

It delivers restaurant-quality crunch and flavor at home with simple ingredients.
The recipe is customizable, so you can adjust spice and toppings easily.
It works for casual dinners, game days, or weekend treats.
The crispy coating and juicy chicken combo is incredibly satisfying.

Ash Tyrrell