Chef Mitchell preparing Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich recipe during a family brunch, where everyone was craving something unique. After several trials, I perfected the balance of flavors and textures that make this sandwich irresistible. Now, it’s a staple in my breakfast repertoire that my family requests every weekend. It’s a joyful way to start the day!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in breakfast recipes that delight the taste buds. His passion for cooking began in childhood, and he has dedicated his career to creating delicious, comforting meals. Chef Mitchell enjoys experimenting with flavors while respecting traditional methods.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich served on a plate

Why This Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich Recipe Works

This Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich stands out due to its combination of flavors and textures. The marinated chicken is fried to perfection, creating a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, toasted English muffin. With the addition of a runny egg and fresh vegetables, every bite is satisfying and delicious.

The technique of marinating the chicken in buttermilk enhances its juiciness, while the seasoned flour coating ensures a delightful crunch. The use of Dijon mustard in the sauce adds a tangy kick that complements the richness of the fried chicken perfectly.

💡 Professional Tip

For the crispiest chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken pieces. This will help achieve a golden crust while keeping the meat juicy inside. Additionally, do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the right temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat before serving. The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge as well. Just toast the English muffins and fry the eggs fresh for the best results.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and work perfectly in the marinade.

The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe for consumption. The egg should be cooked to your preference, and the cheese should be melted before assembling the sandwich.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken pieces separately. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before assembling the sandwich.

Serve your Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich with a side of hash browns or fruit salad for a balanced meal. A cup of coffee or fresh juice also complements this dish beautifully, making for a refreshing breakfast experience.

The assembled sandwich is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. If you need to store it, keep the components separate to maintain the texture, especially the chicken, which can become soggy.

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce beforehand. Store them separately in the fridge, and then assemble the sandwich just before serving. This will ensure maximum freshness and crispiness.

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps keep the chicken crispy. You can also reheat the egg in a pan for a minute or two on low heat.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your chicken ends up dry, it may have been overcooked.

Solution: To prevent dryness in the future, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F without overshooting.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken isn't crispy, it may not have been fried in hot enough oil.

Solution: Heat the oil to 350°F before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your chicken is overcooked, it will be tough and dry.

Prevention: Pay close attention to cooking times and use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Fry chicken in small batches to ensure even cooking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the chicken is undercooked, it may not reach a safe temperature.

Recovery: Ensure that the oil is sufficiently hot and cook the chicken longer if needed. You can finish cooking chicken in the oven if the exterior is browning too quickly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the chicken has a burnt exterior, it may be due to overly high heat.

Prevention: Keep the heat at medium-high, adjusting as needed to avoid burning while allowing enough time for the chicken to cook through.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the sandwich is too sweet, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, serve with a dollop of unsweetened yogurt to cut through the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavors are bland, add additional seasoning to the chicken or sauce, and consider using fresh herbs for a flavor boost.

Fresh ingredients for Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich

The key ingredients for this sandwich include juicy chicken, flavorful spices, and fresh toppings. The buttermilk marinade ensures tenderness, while the flour coating provides that coveted crispy texture. Using fresh eggs and high-quality cheese elevates the taste of the sandwich.

Prioritize fresh ingredients to enhance the overall flavor of your sandwich. Using local and organic products when possible not only supports local farmers but also ensures your meal is healthier and tastier.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for maximum flavor and juiciness. This cut ensures that the chicken remains moist during cooking.
  • Buttermilk: Buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken. If you can't find it, a homemade version using milk and vinegar works well. Don’t skip this step!
  • English Muffins: Choose whole grain or artisanal English muffins for added texture and taste. Toast them well to ensure they hold up against the juicy chicken.
Cooking process for Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking method for this sandwich involves marinating, frying, and assembly. Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also ensures it remains moist throughout the cooking process. Frying in hot oil allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

To achieve perfect results, ensure that your oil temperature is maintained during frying. It's essential to let the chicken drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil, keeping the sandwich from becoming soggy.

Key Technique for Perfect Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich

The most critical technique for this recipe is the buttermilk marinade, which creates a tender chicken. This step, coupled with a careful frying process, guarantees the sandwich’s crispy yet juicy character that everyone will love.

Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
    For sauce mix
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    For sauce mix
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    For sauce mix

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For marinating
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For breading
  • 1 tsp paprika
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • 6 eggs
    For sandwiches
  • 6 English muffins
    Split and toasted
  • 6 slices of cheddar cheese
    Topping for sandwiches

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Prepare Breading

    In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

  3. Coat Chicken

    Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's well coated.

  4. Fry Chicken

    Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

  5. Cook Eggs

    In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Prepare Sauce

    In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create a tasty sauce.

  7. Assemble Sandwiches

    Spread the sauce on the toasted English muffins. Layer with crispy chicken, a fried egg, a slice of cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

  8. Serve

    Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover components of the Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich separately in airtight containers. The chicken can last up to 2 days in the fridge, while the sauce should be used within a week. Reassemble the sandwich fresh for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your meal, consider serving your Crispy Chicken Breakfast Sandwich with a side of crispy hash browns or a fresh fruit salad. A smooth coffee or iced tea also pairs wonderfully.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this sandwich to your taste! Add avocado slices, substitute spicy aioli for the sauce, or use a bagel instead of an English muffin for a fun twist.