Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich: Crispy, Crunchy, and Irresistible!

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. Picture this: tender, juicy fried chicken encased in a perfectly crispy, golden crust, topped with creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles, all nestled between soft, buttery brioche buns. It’s got that down-home, straight-outta-the-South flavor that makes you wanna close your eyes and savor every single bite. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a family cookout, or a weekend indulgence, this sandwich brings the flavors of the South right into your kitchen.

Why You NEED to Make This Fried Chicken Sandwich

Y’all, this ain’t your average fried chicken sandwich. This is the Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, and it’s about to change your fried chicken game. Let me tell you why.

1. Crispy Fried Chicken Perfection

You know that crunch you get when you bite into a piece of perfectly fried chicken? That’s the hallmark of this sandwich. The secret is marinating the chicken in buttermilk, which not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the flour stick to it better, creating an irresistible crispy coating.

2. Buttermilk Magic

Buttermilk is the unsung hero of Southern cooking. It gives the chicken a subtle tang and tenderness that can’t be replicated. Pair that with a well-seasoned flour dredge, and you’ve got the makings of one unforgettable fried chicken sandwich.

3. The Perfect Combo of Flavors

The creamy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, and soft brioche bun are the perfect complements to that crispy fried chicken. It’s got everything—flavor, texture, and Southern charm all rolled into one.

4. It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, everyone loves a good fried chicken sandwich. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, game day, or just when you’re craving some good ol’ Southern comfort food. Plus, the satisfaction of biting into homemade fried chicken that’s golden brown and perfectly seasoned is hard to beat.

Ready to make this sandwich? Let’s get into it.

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Ingredients for Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

Before we dive into the details, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Gather these ingredients for your ultimate Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich:

Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Seasoned Flour Dredge:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Coleslaw Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 4 brioche buns or soft potato rolls
• Dill pickles (sliced)
• Optional: Additional hot sauce or mayonnaise for spreading

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Follow these steps to make the Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich that’ll make you the MVP of your kitchen. You’ll have people lining up for seconds!

Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken thighs (or breasts), making sure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and make it super juicy.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. Trust me, this step is key to getting that flavorful, tender chicken.

Prepare the Coleslaw

• While your chicken is marinating, whip up that creamy coleslaw.
• In a large bowl, toss together the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrot.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to use. This coleslaw will add a crunchy, tangy balance to your sandwich.

Prepare the Seasoned Flour

• In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
• This seasoned flour is what’s gonna give your chicken that golden, crispy crust that you love.

Dredge the Chicken

• Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
• Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it into the flour to ensure a nice, thick coating.
• For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then into the flour again for a double dredge. This step is clutch if you want that extra crunch!

Fry the Chicken

• In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil temperature to be around 350°F.
• Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Once fried, place the chicken on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy instead of soggy.

Toast the Buns

• While the chicken is resting, lightly toast your brioche buns in a skillet with a little bit of butter. This step ensures your buns stay soft on the inside but have a nice crunch on the outside.

Assemble the Sandwich

• Now for the fun part—building your sandwich!
• Spread a little mayo or hot sauce (or both) on the bottom bun.
• Place the crispy fried chicken on top, then add a generous scoop of that creamy coleslaw.
• Finish with a few dill pickle slices and top with the toasted bun.
• Repeat for all sandwiches and get ready to feast!

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Expert Tips and Tricks

I’ve fried a lot of chicken in my time, so here are a few pro tips to make sure your sandwich comes out perfect every time:

1. Use a Meat Thermometer

• To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. You want to hit 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

2. Don’t Crowd the Pan

• Fry the chicken in batches. If you crowd the pan, the oil temperature will drop, and you won’t get that crispy crust you’re aiming for.

3. Double Dredge for Maximum Crunch

• For that extra crispy texture, double dip the chicken in the flour mixture after the buttermilk. You’ll thank me when you hear that crunch.

4. Let It Rest

• After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack. This keeps it crispy while allowing the excess oil to drain off.

5. Brioche Buns Are Best

• Soft, slightly sweet brioche buns pair perfectly with the savory, crispy chicken. Potato rolls also work well if you can’t find brioche.

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15 Variations of Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

Wanna switch things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:

1. Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and drizzle hot sauce over the fried chicken.

2. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

• Toss the fried chicken in a spicy oil made with cayenne, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.

3. Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich

• Drizzle honey and melted butter over the chicken before adding the coleslaw.

4. BBQ Chicken Sandwich

• Top the fried chicken with BBQ sauce and slaw for a Southern BBQ twist.

5. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

• Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce and top with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

6. Cheesy Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the fried chicken before assembling.

7. Pickle Brined Chicken Sandwich

• Marinate the chicken in pickle juice for extra tang before frying.

8. Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Sandwich

• Add a layer of ranch dressing to the sandwich for a creamy, herby flavor.

9. Maple Bacon Chicken Sandwich

• Add crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory combo.

10. Jalapeño Slaw Chicken Sandwich

• Spice up the coleslaw with pickled jalapeños for a fiery kick.

11. Southern Pimento Cheese Chicken Sandwich

• Spread a layer of creamy pimento cheese on the bun for a classic Southern addition.

12. Avocado Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Add fresh avocado slices for a creamy, rich contrast to the crispy chicken.

13. Chipotle Mayo Chicken Sandwich

• Mix mayo with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy spread.

14. Sweet Tea Brined Chicken Sandwich

• Marinate the chicken in sweet tea for a unique Southern flavor.

15. Cajun Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Season the flour with Cajun spices for a bold, zesty flavor profile.

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What to Serve with Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches

A sandwich this good deserves some delicious sides. Here are 15 options that pair perfectly with your Southern-style masterpiece:

1. Sweet Potato Fries

• Crispy, salty, and sweet. The perfect sidekick.

2. Mac and Cheese

• Creamy, cheesy goodness that complements the crunch of the chicken.

3. Collard Greens

• For a true Southern meal, serve your sandwich with slow-cooked collard greens.

4. Potato Wedges

• Thick, crispy potato wedges with a sprinkle of sea salt? Yes, please.

5. Cornbread

• Sweet, buttery cornbread is a must for any Southern meal.

6. Fried Green Tomatoes

• Crispy, tangy fried green tomatoes are an excellent side dish for this sandwich.

7. Coleslaw

• You already have coleslaw on the sandwich, but a little extra on the side never hurts.

8. Pickles

• Serve extra dill pickles or try bread and butter pickles for a sweet twist.

9. Baked Beans

• A side of smoky baked beans will take this meal over the top.

10. Corn on the Cob

• Grilled or boiled corn on the cob with a little butter and salt is always a hit.

11. Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy are always welcome.

12. Onion Rings

• Swap the fries for some crispy onion rings for a crunchy side option.

13. Deviled Eggs

• Southern deviled eggs are a great appetizer or side for this meal.

14. Cucumber Salad

• A light and refreshing cucumber salad helps balance the richness of the fried chicken.

15. Hush Puppies

• These little fried cornmeal balls are a staple of Southern cuisine.

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Storage Tips for Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches

If you somehow end up with leftovers (which I doubt), here’s how to store them for later.

For the Fried Chicken:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain that crispy texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze fried chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in foil and storing in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For the Coleslaw:

• Coleslaw is best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving again.

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How Much Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

When it comes to feeding a crowd, this recipe is easily scalable. For a typical family gathering of about 10-12 people, I recommend making at least 12-16 fried chicken sandwiches. You can double or triple the recipe depending on how many folks you’re expecting. Pro tip: Keep the fried chicken warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve.

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How Far in Advance Can I Make Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches?

Chicken:

• You can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance. This gives you a head start and ensures the chicken is packed with flavor.
• For best results, fry the chicken fresh on the day you plan to serve it. However, you can fry the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it warm in the oven until serving.

Coleslaw:

• Make the coleslaw up to 1 day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered and chilled in the fridge.