Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches: A Family Favorite Recipe
Imagine a summer afternoon, sunlight filtering through the trees, the air tinged with the scent of fried chicken wafting through the kitchen. Today, I am thrilled to share my all-time favorite recipe: Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches. This dish is a celebration of textures and flavors — perfectly crispy chicken nestled in a soft bun, crowned with tangy pickles and creamy sauce. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug that brings family and friends together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few:
- Quick Family Meal: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Indulgent Treat: The crispy, golden chicken paired with the tang of pickle brine creates a delightful taste sensation.
- Festive and Special: Ideal for both casual family dinners and festive get-togethers, making any meal feel special.
- Cozy Favorite: With its comforting flavors, this dish evokes warmth and nostalgia, reminding you of summer barbecues and backyard picnics.
- Healthy Option: When made with lean chicken breasts, it can fit into a balanced diet while still being oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients with Notes
For your Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 1 cup pickle brine: Homemade or store-bought; it’s essential for marinating and tenderizing the chicken.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds richness; you can substitute Greek yogurt mixed with a little water for a healthier option.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This will give the chicken its necessary crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an added depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a lovely hint of smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste — don’t shy away from seasoning!
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft but sturdy enough to hold all the delicious components.
- Sliced pickles: For that unmistakable tang!
- Special sauce (optional): Mix mayonnaise, a splash of pickle brine, and a dash of hot sauce to tie everything together.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This is a quick dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed—making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the pickle brine and buttermilk. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
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Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins! As you mix, you’ll start to smell those wonderful spices mingling.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want it hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles when added.
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Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
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Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know your kitchen is alive with the delicious aroma!
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Drain and Assemble: Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Toast your hamburger buns lightly, then layer the crispy chicken, sliced pickles, and a generous dollop of special sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the sandwiches in half if you like and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Swaps: Use air-fried chicken for a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing that crispy texture.
- Seasonal Twists: Swap out the pickles for sliced jalapeños or even grilled pineapple for a tropical flavor.
- Additional Flavor: Experiment with different spices in your breading, like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Serving Ideas
These Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches are fantastic served alongside crispy fries or a fresh coleslaw. They make a perfect quick family meal during the week but can elevate a summer BBQ or festive gathering, served with refreshing lemonade or even your favorite craft beer. Picture this: a warm summer evening, these sandwiches in hand, laughter filling the air–it’s a moment you’ll cherish.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (though they are always a hit!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best leftovers, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to revive the crispiness.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest the Meat: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes after frying. This helps retain its juices, making each bite tender and moist.
- Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro right before serving for a burst of brightness.
- Double the Recipe: Make extra chicken for sandwiches the next day; this dish shines even as a leftover meal.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide even more flavor and tenderness.
- What’s the best way to store the leftovers? Keep the chicken and buns separate; this helps maintain crispiness.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free buns.
Conclusion
As you gather your ingredients, remember that cooking is an expression of love — and these Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches are a testament to that. I invite you to share this recipe with your loved ones and create new memories around your dining table. Each bite is an indulgent treat worth savoring, a comforting dinner that warms the heart, and a cozy favorite you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy the happiness this dish brings!
Contents
Crispy Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 1 cup pickle brine Homemade or store-bought; essential for marinating.
- 1 cup buttermilk Adds richness; can substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with water.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour This will give the chicken its necessary crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For an added depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Provides a lovely hint of smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper To taste.
For Assembly
- 4 pieces hamburger buns Soft but sturdy enough to hold all delicious components.
- Sliced pickles For that unmistakable tang.
- to taste Special sauce (optional) Mix mayonnaise, a splash of pickle brine, and a dash of hot sauce.
Instructions
Marinating
- In a large bowl, combine the pickle brine and buttermilk. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Breading
- In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Frying
- Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Assembling
- Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Toast your hamburger buns lightly, then layer the crispy chicken, sliced pickles, and a generous dollop of special sauce.
- Slice the sandwiches in half if you like and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.