Deep-Frying Frozen Chicken Sandwiches: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making a fried chicken sandwich in a deep fryer is a fun and easy way to enjoy a crispy, juicy, and tender chicken sandwich at home. The process involves preparing chicken thighs or breasts, marinating them, coating them in a flour mixture, deep frying, and assembling the sandwich with toppings and sauces. The chicken is typically marinated in buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices, and then coated in a flour mixture with spices, paprika, and garlic powder. Deep frying is done in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, with oil heated to around 350°F (175-180°C). The chicken is then assembled on a toasted bun with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sauces like mayonnaise, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.

How to Make Fried Chicken Sandwich in a Deep Fryer

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk

To make the buttermilk marinade, combine buttermilk with seasonings such as salt, pepper, cayenne, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and white pepper. You can also add in some pickle brine for extra flavour. Whisk these ingredients together in a bowl, or pour them into a resealable plastic bag.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. You can do this by tossing the chicken in the marinade or placing it in a bag with the marinade and sealing the bag. It is important to squeeze out any excess air from the bag before sealing and marinating in the refrigerator. The chicken should be left to marinate for at least one hour, but preferably for 4 to 8 hours, or even overnight.

After marinating, the chicken is ready to be coated in seasoned flour and fried to perfection. The buttermilk marinade will have prepared the chicken perfectly for its crispy coating, resulting in a juicy and tender fried chicken sandwich.

Breading and frying the chicken

Take the chicken out of the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk an egg and some milk until they are evenly combined. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and salt. You can also add in some cayenne pepper if you want to add a little heat to your chicken sandwich.

Drizzle some of the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix with a fork until the flour mixture is clumpy. Now, dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture and let any excess drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, turning a few times and pressing firmly so that the clumps adhere.

Heat some vegetable oil in a large, high-sided pot or Dutch oven until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Carefully place a few pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, turning a few times, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of chicken, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the temperature of the oil.

Making a sauce

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Mustard (preferably Dijon)
• Honey
• Paprika
• Red chilli pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)

Optional add-ins:

• Hot sauce
• Pickle juice
• Garlic powder
• White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• BBQ sauce
• Worcestershire sauce

Method:

• Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl, adjusting the quantities to your taste preferences.
• Stir the ingredients until they are well combined and the sauce has a thick and creamy consistency.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more pepper, chilli flakes, or honey to suit your preference.
• Spread the sauce on the top and bottom of your sandwich buns.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and quantities to create a sauce that matches your taste!

Assembling the sandwich

Now that you have your fried chicken, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Here are the steps to follow:

Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. You can adjust the quantities to your taste preferences. Spread this sauce on the cut sides of the toasted buns.

Next, place the fried chicken on the bottom bun. If you're using a whole chicken breast, you might want to slice it to fit better on the bun.

Now, it's time to add your choice of toppings and condiments. You can use shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, or any other desired toppings. Be careful not to overdoo it, as you want the chicken to shine through.

Finally, place the top bun on the sandwich, and you're done! You can serve these sandwiches with a side of sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or your favorite fries.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and toppings to create your perfect fried chicken sandwich. Enjoy!

Storing and reheating the sandwich

Storing your fried chicken sandwich

If you have leftover fried chicken sandwiches, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness until you're ready to reheat and eat them.

Reheating your fried chicken sandwich in an air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat fried foods like chicken sandwiches. It will help you achieve that irresistible crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Take your sandwich out of the refrigerator and let it come up to room temperature for a few minutes.
• Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. You can choose to reheat it whole or separate the chicken from the bun to ensure even heating.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking. You're aiming for a crispy exterior and hot, tender chicken.
• Once heated to your liking, assemble the sandwich with any desired condiments and enjoy!

Reheating your fried chicken sandwich in an oven

Using an oven is another excellent way to reheat your fried chicken sandwich, providing consistent and crispy results. Here's how:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the sandwich from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
• Wrap the sandwich loosely in aluminium foil. This will help prevent the bun from becoming overly crispy and the chicken from drying out.
• Place the wrapped sandwich directly on an oven rack or a baking sheet.
• Heat for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overheat.
• Once the sandwich is hot and the bun is slightly crispy, carefully unwrap it and add your preferred condiments.

Other reheating options

While the air fryer and oven methods are recommended for optimal results, there are a few other ways to reheat your fried chicken sandwich:

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet or pan on medium heat. Place the sandwich inside and cover it with a lid to trap the hot air. Reheat for a few minutes on each side until heated through.
• Microwave: While this method is not ideal for preserving the original quality of the sandwich, it is the quickest option. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a paper towel or napkin to prevent sogginess. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, checking after each interval until it reaches your desired temperature.

Important tips for reheating

• Remove pickles before reheating to preserve their freshness, and add them back afterward.
• Avoid adding sauces before reheating to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
• Use a wire rack in the oven for extra crispy bread and toasty buns.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a food thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• If you have multiple sandwiches, use a baking sheet and aluminium foil to reheat them all at once for consistent results.

Frequently asked questions