Copycat KFC Chicken Sandwich

With crisp, juicy, southern fried chicken, this Copycat KFC Chicken Sandwich is sure to become a family favorite. You might even like it more than the original!

A Crispy, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, Just Like KFC!

Prepare for a familiar treat—a crispy, crunchy chicken sandwich that rivals KFC! Each bite offers an irresistible crunch, juicy tenderness, and a burst of flavor. This sandwich will satisfy your cravings and have you longing for more!

Even if you aren’t familiar with frying chicken, you can make this tasty recipe at home. The step-by-step instructions will take all the guesswork out of the process. This copycat KFC chicken sandwich will indeed become the most-requested meal in your kitchen. Say goodbye to fast food and hello to a fresh new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Sandwich

• Juicy and Crunchy: The chicken breast is perfectly seasoned and breaded, providing a crispy outer layer that gives way to juicy, tender meat. 
• Exceptional Flavor: The blend of spices is carefully chosen to mimic the signature flavor of real KFC fried chicken.
• Deep-Fried Goodness: Don’t get me wrong – I love a good air fryer recipe or baked recipe as much as the next girl. But sometimes, you want to go back to the OG and deep fry that chicken. This recipe does exactly that.
• Easy Recipe: Although it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, you will be surprised at how simple it is to make this copycat KFC chicken sandwich!

What Are the Ingredients in a KFC Chicken Sandwich?

Eleven herbs and spices? You got it! In fact, if you count the salt, this recipe has twelve. On top of that, I add some spicy mayo to my sandwiches – it’s optional, but so delicious. Here’s everything you’ll need, spices included.

For the Chicken

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Eggs: Whole eggs, slightly beaten.
• Buttermilk: Don’t have this on hand? See the tips section below for instructions to make a quick buttermilk substitute.
• All-Purpose Flour: For the breading. You could also use gluten-free flour, if you like.
• Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, dry mustard, ginger, white pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whew!
• Vegetable Oil: Or another high-heat oil, for frying.
• Sandwich Buns for serving: Soft hamburger buns are my favorite, but you could substitute kaiser rolls, whole wheat buns, etc.
• Pickles: Classic! A copycat KFC sandwich should definitely include sliced pickles (unless you don’t like them, of course!).

For the Spicy Mayo

• Mayonnaise: You can use any brand of mayo that you like. 
• Hot Sauce: Like Frank’s or another type that you like. 
• Relish: Mmm, sweet pickle relish. If you don’t have this on hand, you can use finely chopped bread and butter pickles – it’s practically the same thing.
• Paprika: I like smoked paprika here, for the oomph of smoky flavor, but you could use regular sweet paprika too.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These ingredients pack a punch, so measure carefully.

Does KFC Use Egg in Their Breading?

• The classic KFC recipe does use dried egg powder in the breading mixture, but since we are making these at home instead of a fast-food kitchen, we can just use regular eggs. Easy and delicious, it helps the breading stick to the chicken.

How to Make a Copycat KFC Chicken Sandwich

• Marinate the Chicken. Place your chicken in a bowl and pour the buttermilk and beaten eggs over it. The pieces of chicken should be sandwich-sized—cover, and place in the fridge for at least one hour.
• Make the Seasoned Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, dried mustard, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to make the seasoned flour.
• Heat the Oil: Place the oil in a deep skillet, or a deep fryer if you have one. Heat it to 350°F.
• Bread the Chicken. One by one, take the chicken breasts from the egg-buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Dip each chicken breast into the seasoned flour, and coat it evenly on both sides.

• Fry the Chicken. Carefully lower the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, and fry for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to cook in batches if needed, so you don’t crowd the chicken pieces – if they are too crowded, they won’t brown well.
• Cool on Paper Towels. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the hot oil, and cool it on a paper-towel-lined plate to let the excess oil drain off.
• Stir Up the Spicy Mayo. While the chicken is cooling, mix the mayonnaise, hot sauce, sweet pickle relish, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder together. This is your spicy mayo, and it’s optional – you could also use regular mayonnaise or sandwich spread.

• Make the Sandwiches. To assemble the sandwiches, spread a generous amount of spicy mayo (or your favorite sandwich spread) on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a few sliced pickles, a fried chicken breast, and the top bun.
• Enjoy! Serve your copycat KFC chicken sandwiches immediately while they’re still warm.

Tips for Success

If you are feeling hungry, you’re not alone! My mouth is watering just typing this out. But before you start cooking, take a look at these helpful tips!

• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is an ingredient that a lot of people only use for specific recipes, so if you don’t keep it on hand, no worries! You can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon or so of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Just stir it in, let it sit for five minutes, and stir again. Instant “buttermilk!”
• Oil Temperature: Heating the oil to the right temp is important. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it fully cooks inside. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will be underdone and soggy. The best way to monitor the oil temperature is with a candy thermometer, clipped to the inside edge of your skillet or pot. You can also test the oil with a wooden chopstick or spoon. Dip it gently in the oil, and if little bubbles form (think champagne or soda bubbles), the oil is hot enough.
• Toppings: Feel free to add any toppings you like to this easy sandwich. Lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon – you can’t go wrong!

Side Dish Ideas

When it comes to pairing side dishes with a copycat KFC chicken sandwich, there are plenty of options to make your meal even tastier. Here are a few delectable choices:

• Coleslaw: The refreshing crunch of coleslaw provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. Its creamy and tangy dressing adds a zesty kick that balances out the meal. The slaw from my Instant Pot Pulled Pork with Coleslaw recipe would be perfect here!
• Mac N Cheese: Baked Macaroni and Cheese is an extra-indulgent side for a fried chicken sandwich. You’ll love the hearty, creamy taste of this old-fashioned recipe. 
• Zucchini Fries: For a twist on traditional fries, opt for Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries. Their mild-yet-zesty flavor pairs wonderfully with savory chicken, and they are low in carbs!

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat KFC Chicken Sandwich

• Keep leftovers in the fridge, tightly wrapped in an airtight container. Avoid storing the full sandwich for more than two days. The fried chicken – without the mayonnaise and buns – can last for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or in a 350˚F oven. For better results, heat the chicken separately, as it takes longer than the bun. The spicy mayo doesn’t need to be heated.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing the whole sandwich. The chicken, though, can be frozen for up to three months. Cool it down first, and keep it in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

More Great Sandwich Recipes

• Philly Cheesesteak Burger
• Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders
• Reuben Sandwich Recipe