With crisp, juicy southern-style fried chicken, this Copycat KFC Chicken Sandwich is destined to be a family favorite. The crunchy coating, tender meat, and balanced seasoning come together to create a sandwich you might prefer to the original.
This sandwich delivers an irresistible crunch and juicy interior with every bite. The step-by-step instructions make frying approachable even if you haven’t done much frying before. Once you’ve made this, you’ll be ready to try other favorite chicken recipes in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Juicy and Crunchy: Well-seasoned chicken breasts are breaded and fried to a golden, crisp exterior that keeps the meat juicy inside.
- Signature Flavor: A carefully chosen blend of herbs and spices recreates the savory profile reminiscent of classic fried chicken.
- Traditional Frying: While air fryers and oven-baked versions are great, this recipe embraces the traditional deep-frying method for authentic texture and flavor.
- Simple Process: The recipe is straightforward: marinate, coat, fry, and assemble. Clear steps remove the guesswork.
What Are the Ingredients in a KFC Chicken Sandwich?
The seasoning mix here includes many classic spices used to evoke that familiar fried-chicken taste. Salt included, the blend adds up to a robust profile. I also recommend an optional spicy mayo that complements the chicken beautifully. Below are the ingredients organized by component.
For the Chicken
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sized for sandwiches.
- Eggs: Whole eggs, lightly beaten to help the coating adhere.
- Buttermilk: Soaks and tenderizes the chicken. A quick homemade substitute is described below if you don’t have store-bought buttermilk.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for the seasoned breading; substitute a gluten-free flour if needed.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, ground mustard, ground ginger, white pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Vegetable Oil: Or another neutral, high-heat oil for frying.
- Sandwich Buns: Soft hamburger buns are ideal, though kaiser rolls or whole wheat buns also work.
- Pickles: Thinly sliced dill or bread-and-butter pickles for that classic finish.
For the Spicy Mayo
- Mayonnaise: Any favorite brand or homemade mayo.
- Hot Sauce: Adjust type and amount to your preferred heat level.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture; finely chopped pickles work as a substitute.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth, but sweet paprika is fine.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Small amounts enhance the flavor without overpowering the mayo.
Does KFC Use Egg in Their Breading?
Commercial kitchens sometimes use dried egg powder in breading. At home, regular eggs work well and help the flour mixture cling to the chicken for a sturdy crust.
Tips for Success
Before you begin, consider these practical tips to ensure the best results.
- Buttermilk Substitute: Make quick buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil around 350°F. Too hot will burn the outside; too cool leaves the crust soggy. Use a thermometer or test with a wooden utensil—the oil should bubble steadily.
- Customize Toppings: Add lettuce, tomato, cheese, or bacon to personalize your sandwich.
Side Dish Ideas
Pair the sandwich with sides that balance or complement the richness of fried chicken:
- Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch to the plate.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy baked macaroni and cheese provides an indulgent, comforting side.
- Zucchini Fries: Baked or air-fried zucchini fries add a lighter alternative with satisfying crispness.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken (without buns or mayo) in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days. Avoid storing a fully assembled sandwich for more than two days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for best texture; microwave for convenience but expect a softer crust. Heat chicken separately from buns and mayonnaise.
- Freezing: Cool cooked chicken completely and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Copycat KFC Chicken Sandwich
by Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes
Crispy, juicy southern fried chicken on a soft bun with pickles and optional spicy mayo—an easy copycat of a beloved classic.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinade: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk (or quick substitute)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the spicy mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hot sauce, adjusted to taste
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For serving:
- 2 to 4 soft hamburger buns
- Sliced pickles
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the buttermilk mixed with eggs over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the seasoned flour. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, thyme, basil, oregano, ground mustard, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Heat the oil. Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Press each piece into the seasoned flour to coat evenly.
- Fry the chicken. Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
- Drain. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the spicy mayo. Whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Assemble. Spread spicy mayo on the bottom bun, add sliced pickles, place the fried chicken on top, and finish with the top bun.
- Serve. Serve the sandwiches immediately while the chicken is hot and the coating is crisp.
Notes
- Buttermilk: Make a quick substitute by stirring 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of milk. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Oil Temperature: Keep oil around 350°F for even cooking. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Toppings: Add lettuce, tomato, cheese, or bacon to personalize the sandwich.
- Storage: Store fried chicken separately from buns and mayo for best texture. Refrigerate cooked chicken for 3–5 days or freeze up to three months.
Nutrition
Calories: 532 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 28 g
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Make a Copycat KFC Chicken Sandwich
- Marinate the Chicken. Place chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the buttermilk and beaten eggs over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Make the Seasoned Flour. Combine flour with the spice blend in a shallow dish and mix thoroughly.
- Heat the Oil. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or fryer.
- Bread the Chicken. Remove chicken from the buttermilk-egg mixture and coat each piece in the seasoned flour.
- Fry the Chicken. Fry 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
- Drain on Paper Towels. Let the cooked chicken rest briefly to drain excess oil and keep the crust crisp.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo. Mix together mayonnaise, hot sauce, relish, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Assemble the Sandwiches. Spread mayo on the bun, add pickles and the fried chicken, then top with the bun.
- Enjoy. Serve immediately while warm.
More Great Sandwich Recipes
- Philly Cheesesteak Burger
- Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders
- Fish Sandwich
- Reuben Sandwich Recipe