Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Introduction

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Ranch Slaw has quickly become a go-to comfort food recipe in my house. From the first bite, the combination of crispy fried chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch slaw blew everyone away. The flavors are rich, tangy, and bold, making this sandwich a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. I was especially impressed with how well the crunchy, tender chicken paired with the refreshing ranch slaw—it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. My family devoured these sandwiches, and they were asking for seconds before they even finished their first! If you’re craving something indulgent, this sandwich is sure to satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Ranch Slaw
This crispy buffalo chicken sandwich is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and indulgent comfort food. The chicken is perfectly fried, with a golden, crispy crust that holds up to the tangy buffalo sauce, while the ranch slaw provides a creamy and refreshing contrast. The homemade ranch dressing gives the slaw a delicious creaminess that complements the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Served on a soft potato bun with crispy lettuce and just the right amount of heat, this sandwich is an instant favorite that can easily be made at home. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, it’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Ranch Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped dill
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp celery salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 2/3 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

For Assembly:

• 4 potato buns
• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Start by removing the tenders from the chicken breasts, then pound the chicken to an even thickness. Trim the chicken to fit the size of your buns. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, and submerge the chicken breasts in the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Ranch Dressing:
   In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the Frank’s RedHot sauce and cayenne pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly. Set aside.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
   Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the oil and transfer to a wire rack to rest.
5. Toast the Buns:
   While the chicken is resting, spread butter on both sides of the potato buns. Lightly toast them in a pan or oven for about 1 minute, until they’re slightly crispy and golden.
6. Assemble the Sandwich:
   Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing on the bottom bun. Add a layer of ranch-coated chopped lettuce on top of the dressing. Dunk each fried chicken piece into the buffalo sauce and place it on top of the lettuce. Finish by placing the top bun on the sandwich. Serve immediately, and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 780 per serving
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 34g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 980mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 1 hour (for marinating the chicken)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve the crispy buffalo chicken sandwiches with a side of fries or onion rings for the ultimate comfort meal.
• For a Casual Meal: Pair with a simple side salad or coleslaw for a lighter touch that complements the richness of the sandwich.
• Perfect for Game Day: These sandwiches are great for parties or gatherings. Serve them on a platter with extra ranch dressing and buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
• Meal Prep: If you want to make these in advance, prepare the chicken and ranch dressing ahead of time. Simply assemble the sandwiches before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Spice it up: If you like your buffalo sauce extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
2. Double coat the chicken: For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and flour mixture for a second coating before frying.
3. Use a thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
4. Customize the ranch: Add more herbs like thyme or oregano to the ranch dressing to customize the flavor to your liking.
5. Make it ahead: You can prep the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce in advance to save time when assembling the sandwiches.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I make this sandwich spicier?
   Absolutely! Add extra cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or drizzle some hot sauce directly onto the sandwich for an extra kick.
3. Can I use a different type of bun?
   Yes, while potato buns are great for this sandwich, you can use brioche buns, whole wheat buns, or any soft sandwich buns of your choice.
4. Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for a healthier alternative to frying.
5. Can I use non-dairy ingredients for the ranch dressing?
   Yes, substitute the sour cream and buttermilk with non-dairy versions like coconut yogurt or cashew cream to make it dairy-free.
6. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover chicken and ranch dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I freeze the chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces. After frying, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
8. Can I use pre-made ranch dressing?
   While homemade ranch is highly recommended, you can use store-bought ranch dressing as a shortcut if needed.
9. How do I make sure the chicken is crispy?
   Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to become soggy.
10. What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
    Fries, coleslaw, onion rings, or a simple green salad are all great choices to serve alongside this sandwich.

Conclusion
The Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Ranch Slaw is a decadent and satisfying meal that will surely become a favorite in your household. The crispy chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch slaw come together in perfect harmony, creating a sandwich that’s crispy, tangy, and utterly delicious. It’s easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comfort food masterpiece that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a gathering, or enjoying a game day treat, this sandwich is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this indulgent dish!

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