Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate crunchy, flavorful comfort food, you’re going to adore this Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tangy Dijon mayo that tenderizes the chicken to juicy perfection, combined with a perfectly crisp fried coating that adds a satisfying crunch in every bite. This sandwich balances creamy, spicy, and smoky notes, making it a total showstopper whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends on a casual weekend. Get ready for a crowd-pleaser that elevates the classic fried chicken sandwich into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays an essential role, from tenderizing the chicken to building layers of flavor and texture in the final sandwich. These ingredients are easy to find but deliver impressive results.

• Mayonnaise: The base of our brine, it keeps the chicken moist and adds creaminess.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tangy depth to the brine and sandwich sauce, perfectly complementing the crispy chicken.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the brine and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch that penetrates the chicken.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth into the chicken and coating.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but necessary to season every layer.
• Boneless chicken breasts: The star ingredient that transforms with the brine and frying.
• Buttermilk: Helps the flour coating adhere and tenderizes the chicken further.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy crust when seasoned well.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Elevate the flavor in the dredging mix.
• Cayenne pepper: Optional, for a little spicy kick in the crust.
• Vegetable oil: Needed for deep frying to achieve the golden crisp.
• Sandwich buns: Toasted to provide a sturdy and slightly crunchy foundation.
• Leaf lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices: Classic toppings that add freshness and crunch.
• Dijon mayo sauce: Extra mayonnaise mixed with Dijon mustard to spread on the buns for a flavor boost.

How to Make Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dijon Mayo Brine

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful brine is what makes this sandwich shine by tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with tangy, smoky notes.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken

Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Coat each piece generously with the Dijon mayo brine, then refrigerate for at least one hour or up to four. This step is crucial to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

While the chicken is brining, preheat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature ensures the chicken fries evenly and turns delightfully crispy without absorbing excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Flour Coating

In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour not only forms the crispy crust but also layers on complex flavor.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the brine and dip it into the buttermilk to help the flour mixture stick better. Then dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour, making sure every surface is covered for maximum crunch.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Carefully fry the chicken breasts in the hot oil for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees safety and juiciness, while the golden crust adds the irresistible crunch.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Once fried, place the chicken on paper towels to drain off excess oil. Letting it rest briefly helps the coating stay crisp and the juices redistribute within the meat.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread the extra Dijon mayo sauce on your toasted sandwich buns. Layer leaf lettuce, the crispy fried chicken, tomato slices, and dill pickles. This classic assembly balances creaminess, freshness, and tanginess in every bite.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Top with the other half of the bun and serve your sandwich right away to enjoy the perfect contrast between warm, crunchy chicken and cool, fresh toppings.

How to Serve Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

Add some crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices for freshness, plus dill pickle slices for a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. You can also sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika or drizzle a touch of honey over the top for a unique twist.

Side Dishes

This crispy chicken sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like golden French fries, coleslaw, or even a light cucumber salad. For something a bit different, try sweet potato fries or a tangy vinegar-based slaw to complement the sandwich’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Isn’t food all about the experience? Try serving the sandwich open-faced on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of extra Dijon mayo sauce on the side for dipping. You could also stack a few smaller sliders for a party spread, or slice the sandwich in half to showcase those gorgeous layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. The chicken will stay flavorful but the crust might soften, so consider reheating carefully to revive the crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts separately by wrapping them well and placing in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich since the bread and toppings can become soggy. Frozen chicken will keep for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat and keep the coating crispy, pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make fried chicken soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra moisture and flavor, and the brine works equally well with them. Just adjust the frying time slightly as thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This acidic liquid helps tenderize the chicken and makes the coating stick better.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, but frying really gives the signature crispy texture. For baking, coat the chicken well and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, baking at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway to crisp both sides.

How spicy is this sandwich?

The sandwich has a mild smoky heat from the smoked paprika and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or skipping it if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make the Dijon mayo sauce ahead?

Definitely! The Dijon mayo sauce can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a winner every time — it’s juicy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into one of the most satisfying homemade chicken sandwiches you can make. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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