Elevate lunch with a Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich thatโs bursting with flavor and crunch. This sandwich perfectly balances juicy, tender chicken soaked in a tangy dijon mayo brine, followed by a satisfyingly crispy coating, all layered between fresh, soft buns. Every bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of creamy, zesty, and savory notes that make this sandwich a standout, whether for a cozy weekday meal or an impressive weekend treat.
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed brine: The dijon mayo brine infuses the chicken with incredible tang and moisture from within.
- Ultimate crispiness: A perfectly seasoned coating creates an irresistible golden crunch on every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with a gourmet twist for accessible cooking.
- Versatile serving: Ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or even casual dinner gatherings.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients Youโll Need
The magic of the Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients, each chosen to boost flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Every element works in harmony to create the perfect sandwich experience.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for juicy, easy-to-bite chicken that crisps well.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth to the brine, enhancing the chickenโs flavor profile.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the brine, helping to tenderize the chicken.
- Buttermilk: Combines with mustard and mayo for a tender, flavorful brine that keeps the chicken moist.
- Flour and seasonings: Essential for the crispy coating, providing a seasoned crust with a crunchy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying to golden perfection and maintaining crispiness.
- Buns: Soft, fresh sandwich buns complement the crispy chicken and hold all the components together.
- Lettuce and tomato: Brighten the sandwich with freshness and balance the richness.
Variations for Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Feel free to personalize this Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Itโs easy to swap ingredients or add your own flair for a completely new flavor journey.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the brine or coating for added heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for the crispy coating.
- Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the brine for an aromatic twist.
- Avocado slices: Swap out lettuce for creamy avocado to add richness and healthy fats.
- Cheese upgrade: Melt sharp cheddar or pepper jack on the chicken just before serving for extra indulgence.
How to Make Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the dijon mayo brine
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth. Submerge the chicken breasts fully in this mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
Step 2: Season and coat the chicken
Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Mix seasoned flour with salt, pepper, and any optional spices in a shallow bowl. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure an even coating that will crisp beautifully.
Step 3: Fry the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Carefully place the coated chicken in hot oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the sandwich
Toast your buns lightly for added texture. Layer the bottom bun with fresh lettuce and tomato slices, add the crispy chicken, then top with a dollop of dijon mayo or your preferred sauce before finishing with the top bun. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate crisp and juicy experience.
Pro Tips for Making Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Marinate minimum: Let the chicken brine for at least 2 hours for tender, flavorful meat.
- Pat dry after brining: Ensures the coating sticks well and your chicken crisps perfectly.
- Consistent oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep frying oil steady at 350ยฐF for even cooking.
- Donโt overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Rest before assembling: Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes for juicier results.
How to Serve Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Garnishes
Fresh leafy lettuce, crisp tomato slices, and a touch of onion rings brighten the sandwich and add delightful crunch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also lift the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Complement your sandwich with classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a zesty coleslaw to balance the richness. Crisp pickles or a light salad also work wonderfully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with colorful napkins for an inviting look. Add small ramekins of extra dijon mayo or spicy ketchup for dipping, and pair with a cold craft beer or freshly brewed iced tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store buns separately to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. It can last up to 2 months frozen. Toast buns fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra moist and tender and work great with the dijon mayo brine; just adjust frying time accordingly for thickness.
Is buttermilk necessary for the brine?
Buttermilk is ideal because it tenderizes the chicken and imparts subtle tanginess, but you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice if needed.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate between 2 hours to overnight. Longer brining makes the chicken more flavorful and juicy.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400ยฐF (205ยฐC) on a wire rack for about 25-30 minutes works well, but you may lose a bit of that signature crispiness.
Whatโs the best bun to use?
Soft burger buns, brioche, or potato rolls are great choices as they hold the sandwich well and complement the crispy chicken without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
The Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a game-changer that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with irresistible crunch and a touch of tangy brilliance. Whether youโre cooking for a simple lunch or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this recipe promises comfort and delight in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to sandwich!
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Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2+ hours brining)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-free
Description
The Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a flavorful and crunchy sandwich featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts soaked in a tangy dijon mustard and mayo brine, coated with a seasoned flour crust, and fried to golden perfection. Layered between soft sandwich buns with fresh lettuce and tomato, this sandwich balances creamy, zesty, and savory flavors, perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, or weekend treats.
Ingredients
For the Brine
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: cayenne pepper or other spices to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 2-3 cups)
For Assembling
- 2 soft sandwich buns (burger buns, brioche, or potato rolls)
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Dijon mayo or preferred sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dijon mayo brine: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth. Fully submerge the chicken breasts in this mixture, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to maximize tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Season and coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating stick. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with salt, black pepper, and any optional spices such as cayenne pepper. Dredge each chicken breast piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating that will crisp beautifully when fried.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow to rest for a few minutes before assembling.
- Assemble the sandwich: Lightly toast the sandwich buns for added texture. On the bottom bun, layer fresh lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Place the crispy fried chicken on top, then add a dollop of dijon mayo or your favorite sauce. Finish by placing the top bun over the layers. Serve immediately for the best crisp and juicy experience.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to ensure tender and flavorful meat.
- Pat the chicken dry after brining to help the flour coating adhere better and crisp up nicely.
- Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350ยฐF using a thermometer for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; cook the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and achieve maximum crispness.
- Let the fried chicken rest a few minutes before assembling the sandwich to retain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg