There is something truly irresistible about the Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe that has quickly become one of my all-time favorite sandwiches to make and share. This sandwich perfectly balances a tangy, flavorful Dijon mayo brine with the satisfying crunch of a golden fried chicken breast, all tucked between perfectly toasted buns. It’s a marvel of textures and tastes—creamy, crispy, savory, and bright. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight treat or an impressive dish to share with friends, this recipe hits all the right notes and is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed masterpiece. Each component plays an essential role, from the tangy Dijon mayo that brines the chicken to the carefully spiced coating that crisps up to perfection. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and acts as a base in the brine to tenderize the chicken beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, tangy kick that deeply infuses the chicken with flavor.
- Lemon juice: Balances the richness with bright acidity.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the brine with subtle savory depth.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a mild smoky warmth that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of the sandwich, flattened for even cooking.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps the flour coating stick.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy exterior once seasoned and fried.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional): Season your flour for an extra flavor boost and mild heat.
- Vegetable oil: For deep frying to golden perfection.
- Sandwich buns, toasted: Provide the perfect holder for all the delicious layers.
- Leaf lettuce, tomato slices, dill pickle slices: Add fresh crunch and acidity to balance each bite.
- Additional Dijon mayo sauce: A little extra creamy spread to slather over the buns for an extra burst of flavor.
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 black pepper to create your brine. This mixture is the key to moist, flavorful chicken that stays juicy inside with a subtle creamy tang from the mayo and mustard. The brine works magic by tenderizing the chicken while infusing each bite with bold flavor.
Step 2: Brine the Chicken
Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. Then generously coat each piece with the Dijon mayo brine and refrigerate. Letting the chicken rest in this flavorful bath for at least an hour (though 3 to 4 hours is ideal) allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and ensures tender results that are anything but dry.
Step 3: Prepare the Frying Station
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you like a little heat, plus salt and pepper. This seasoned flour will become the crisp, flavorful crust around your juicy chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take the brined chicken and dip it into buttermilk, which helps the flour adhere and keeps the coating crispy after frying. Then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, patting the flour to ensure a thick, crunchy layer. This combination of wet and dry ingredients creates that iconic crispy exterior you can’t resist.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safety and perfect doneness. Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the crust crispy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Delicious Sandwich
Spread some of the additional Dijon mayo sauce on the toasted sandwich buns to add extra creaminess. Layer leaf lettuce, the crispy fried chicken, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy dill pickle slices. Cap it with the other bun half and get ready for a sandwich experience that’s bursting with texture and flavor.
How to Serve Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh leaf lettuce and tomato slices complements the rich and crispy chicken beautifully, adding freshness and a satisfying crunch. Dill pickle slices bring a delightful sharpness that cuts through the savory flavors, making each bite balanced and moreish. Feel free to add a few red onion rings or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving this sandwich with classic crispy fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a light mixed green salad. Potato chips or onion rings also make excellent crispy companions, while a bowl of fruit adds a refreshing contrast that brightens the whole plate. These sides help complete an indulgent but balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or family, try serving the sandwich open-faced with all the colorful toppings on display. You could also cut the sandwich into smaller sliders for parties or pair the chicken with a gourmet bun—like brioche or pretzel bread—for a special touch. Don’t forget to drizzle a little extra Dijon mayo sauce on the side for dipping and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken separately from the buns and fresh toppings in airtight containers to preserve the texture. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to keep everything fresh. This method prevents sogginess and allows you to quickly reassemble your sandwich when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces once completely cooled by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the buns and fresh vegetables, as they won’t reheat well but can be easily baked or toasted fresh later.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. Toast your buns fresh and add crisp lettuce, tomato, and pickles to recreate all of the original delicious textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a slightly different texture. Just make sure to flatten them evenly and adjust frying time as needed, usually a bit shorter due to their smaller size and higher fat content.
Is it necessary to brine the chicken in the Dijon mayo mixture?
While you can skip the brining step, it’s highly recommended because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, making a dramatic difference in juiciness and taste in the final sandwich.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake it, but you might lose some crispiness. To bake, place the coated chicken on a wire rack and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain crustiness.
What’s a good substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
A quick buttermilk substitute is milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, left to sit for 5-10 minutes. This provides the tang and acidity buttermilk brings to the coating process.
Can I make the Dijon mayo sauce spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mayo and Dijon mustard mixture to give the sauce a nice spicy kick that complements the chicken’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to dive into making the Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that brings pure joy with every bite. The combination of tangy brine, perfectly crispy chicken, and fresh toppings nestled in a toasted bun is simply unbeatable. Whether for a casual family dinner or impressing friends, this sandwich is guaranteed to become a well-loved classic in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this delicious comfort food soon!
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Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich features tender chicken breasts brined in a flavorful Dijon mayo mixture, then fried to golden perfection. The sandwich is assembled with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, dill pickles, and extra Dijon mayo for a delicious, crunchy, and tangy bite perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Brine:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Assembly:
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- Leaf lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Dill pickle slices
- Additional Dijon mayo sauce (mayonnaise mixed with Dijon mustard)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined to create the flavorful brine.
- Brine the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Coat each piece thoroughly with the Dijon mayo brine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for best results, brine for 3 to 4 hours to deepen the flavor and tenderness.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper; mix these dry spices thoroughly for an even coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each brined chicken breast into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere well for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread additional Dijon mayo sauce over the toasted sandwich buns. Layer leaf lettuce leaves, a crispy chicken breast, tomato slices, and dill pickle slices on the bottom bun.
- Serve: Top the sandwich with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add hot sauce to the brine.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Can be served with a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover sandwiches can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
