Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches
A comforting and flavorful chicken sandwich infused with tangy pickle brine, providing crispy textures and bold flavors for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large Chicken Breasts Boneless, skinless for ease of cooking.
- 1 cup Pickle Juice Any store-bought variety will do, but dill brine is a favorite!
For the Breading
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour For breading—a crisp coating that locks in moisture.
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch Helps create an extra crispy texture when frying.
- 2 Eggs Binds the flour and chicken together for that golden crust.
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs They provide an irresistible crunch.
- Salt and Pepper Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- Oil for Frying I recommend vegetable oil for a high smoke point.
For Serving
- 4 Burger Buns Choose fresh, soft buns to cradle your perfectly fried chicken.
- Toppings (Lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles) Feel free to personalize your sandwich; the sky's the limit!
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts and pickle juice. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for a flavorful punch).
- In one bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the brine, allowing excess juice to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. It’s ready when a pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles upon contact.
- Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Assemble your sandwiches by placing the crispy chicken on burger buns and adding your favorite toppings.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy before you slice it. Use fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Maintain an even oil temperature to ensure your chicken cooks thoroughly without burning. Experiment with different buns for unique flavors.