If there’s one sandwich that always brings a genuine smile to my face, it’s the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo. Think deeply golden, shatteringly crisp chicken tucked inside a pillowy brioche bun—with a hefty dollop of tangy, garlicky mayo, plus cool lettuce and snappy pickles for good measure. This sandwich delivers every texture and flavor you crave in true comfort food. It’s unfussy to make, incredibly crowd-pleasing, and, honestly, better than anything you’ll get at your drive-thru. Prepare yourself for your new chicken sandwich obsession!

Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of kitchen staples can create something so outrageously delicious! Every ingredient in this Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo works its magic: the creamy buttermilk tenderizes, smoked paprika adds warmth, and a homespun garlic mayo takes it over the top. Here’s what you’ll need, with pro tips along the way:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, halved and pounded even for quick, uniform frying and extra juiciness.
Buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing and helping the flour breading cling to the chicken.
Hot sauce: A splash adds zip and deepens the marinade flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the core of the crispy coating. Don’t skip it!
Cornstarch: Crucial for that ultra-shattering crunch you dream about.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely golden hue to your crust.
Garlic powder: Layers in backend flavor for both breading and garlic mayo.
Salt and pepper: Always season generously for maximum flavor in every bite.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for deep frying perfection.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the punchy garlic mayo.
Garlic clove: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic bite in the sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens the mayo with tang and lifts up all the savory flavors.
Smoked paprika: Just a pinch in the mayo infuses complexity and color.
Brioche burger buns: Lightly toasted to soak up juices without getting soggy.
Dill pickle slices: Their crisp acidity is the secret flavor weapon here.
Shredded iceberg lettuce: Adds crunch and keeps everything refreshingly cool.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

If you want that famously tender, full-flavored chicken, don’t rush this step! Combine your chicken pieces, buttermilk, and hot sauce in a bowl or zip-top bag, then let them swim together for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better for maximum flavor and succulence. The buttermilk works its magic, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with tangy goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating

Whisk up a mixture of flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. The combo of flour and cornstarch is your ticket to the legendary crispy exterior, while the spices add warmth and aroma. Make sure everything is evenly blended so the breading is well balanced.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Lift each piece of marinated chicken from its bath and let the excess drip away. Dredge it really well in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so every nook gets coated—this is key for that thick, craggy, crunchy crust that makes a Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo so irresistible.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat several inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken fillets for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping just once, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Drain them on paper towels so they stay impossibly crispy and not greasy!

Step 5: Make the Garlic Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Give it a taste—you want it creamy, garlicky, tangy, and with a hint of smoky depth. This spread is the soul of your Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo!

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

Slather the bottom brioche bun with garlic mayo, top generously with shredded lettuce and pickle slices, then crown it with your freshly fried chicken. Finish with a little more garlic mayo and the top bun. Serve hot, and prepare yourself for that first perfect bite!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo

Garnishes

A finishing touch matters! Try adding an extra swipe of that garlic mayo on the top bun, or sprinkle on a bit of chopped chives for color and fresh flavor pop. A few extra pickle slices alongside your sandwich never hurt either—they add welcome tang and crunch to every plate.

Side Dishes

The classic partner to a Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo is a generous pile of fries, but don’t stop there! You could go for coleslaw, potato wedges, or even a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Anything cool and refreshing makes a brilliant contrast to the hot, crunchy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice your sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve them party-platter style with a small bowl of extra garlic mayo for dipping. Or, turn them into sliders for an appetizer spread everyone will remember. However you present it, this sandwich is always a jaw-dropper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken or garlic mayo, don’t worry—both hold up nicely. Store fried chicken fillets separately from the buns and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and keep the garlic mayo refrigerated in a covered dish.

Freezing

To freeze, let the fried chicken cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in freezer-safe paper or foil and store in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for about a month. Garlic mayo doesn’t freeze well, though, so whip up a new batch when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

For crispiest results, reheat the chicken fillets in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the crunch beautifully—avoid microwaving if you can, as it softens the coating. Toast your buns and you’re back to sandwich bliss in no time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and bring an extra snap of juiciness. They’re a fantastic swap for the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo and require the same cooking time and prep.

What’s the secret to an ultra-crispy coating?

Cornstarch is your best friend here—it combines with the flour for a crust that’s light, shattery, and stays crisp after frying. Pressing the breading onto the chicken firmly also helps create those signature craggy bits everyone loves.

Is the garlic mayo spicy?

No, it’s all about creamy garlic punch with subtle depth from smoked paprika. If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne or an extra splash of hot sauce to customize your Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo.

Can I make the garlic mayo in advance?

Yes! You can easily prepare the garlic mayo a day ahead and store it in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit helps those bright flavors mingle and get even bolder.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Lightly butter the insides and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden. This not only adds flavor but also creates a barrier that keeps the sandwich from getting soggy once you load on all the fillings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about mastering a spectacular Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo in your own kitchen. It’s pure comfort, endlessly adaptable, and practically guaranteed to vanish from your serving plate. Roll up your sleeves, grab those simple ingredients, and treat yourself (and a lucky friend or two!) to this sensational homemade feast soon.