Mini Crispy Chicken Sandwiches are a fun, delicious twist on the classic fried chicken sandwich, perfect for serving as an appetizer, party snack, or quick meal. These crispy, golden-brown chicken bites are juicy on the inside and perfectly seasoned on the outside. Served on soft slider buns with a tangy pickle, they deliver a satisfying combination of crunch and flavor in every bite.
The best part about these sandwiches is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, buttermilk, and a seasoned flour coating, you’ll have crispy, tender chicken in no time. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the flour mixture creates that irresistible crispy crust that everyone loves. Add a pickle for a little tang and texture, and you’ve got a mini sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quick meal at home, these mini sandwiches are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfectly Crispy
The seasoned flour coating creates a crispy, crunchy exterior that’s hard to resist, while the chicken inside stays tender and juicy.
2. Simple Ingredients
With just a few pantry staples—chicken, flour, buttermilk, and spices—you can easily whip up these flavorful sandwiches in no time.
3. Customizable
You can customize these sandwiches with your favorite toppings, from cheese to spicy mayo or lettuce, making them as versatile as you like.
4. Great for Any Occasion
Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual gathering, these mini sandwiches are a fun and delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.
5. Easy to Make in Batches
Perfect for serving a crowd, you can easily fry up batches of chicken and assemble the sandwiches quickly, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 12 slider buns
- Pickles, for serving
Variations
Add Cheese
For an extra layer of flavor, melt a slice of cheddar or American cheese on each piece of chicken right after frying, then assemble on the buns.
Make It Spicy
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick that will elevate the sandwiches.
Use Chicken Thighs
If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful sandwich.
Add Veggies
Top the sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, or onions for added freshness and crunch.
Use Different Buns
Instead of slider buns, you can use small brioche buns, potato rolls, or even small toasted sandwich bread for a twist on the classic.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small, slider-sized pieces, ensuring each piece is evenly sized for cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize the chicken and enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 7: Drain the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the fried chicken on slider buns and top with pickles. You can add other toppings such as lettuce or cheese, depending on your preference.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the mini crispy chicken sandwiches immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature, use a kitchen thermometer. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is essential for keeping the chicken moist and tender while ensuring a crisp coating.
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it will cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.
- Keep the chicken warm: If you’re making a large batch, place the fried chicken on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F) to keep them crispy.
How to Serve
These mini crispy chicken sandwiches are delicious served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Pair them with fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad for a complete meal. They also work great at parties or gatherings where guests can enjoy them as finger food. Add a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo on the side for extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy.
Freezing
If you want to make these sandwiches ahead of time, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat the fried chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. If you’re reheating the sandwiches, wrap them in foil to prevent the buns from getting too soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for a juicier sandwich and can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts.
2. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
To maintain the crispiness, avoid stacking the fried chicken directly on top of each other. Place them on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to let the excess oil drain.
3. Can I make these sandwiches without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
4. How can I make these sandwiches spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture to give the chicken a spicy kick.
5. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer to cook the chicken, but make sure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
6. Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
You can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven to keep it crispy. Assemble the sandwiches right before serving.
7. How do I prevent the chicken from getting greasy?
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure each piece cooks evenly.
8. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
9. Can I add cheese to the sandwiches?
Yes, you can top the fried chicken with a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or American, for extra flavor.
10. How can I serve these sandwiches at a party?
These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Conclusion
Mini Crispy Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. Whether served at a party, as a snack, or for a casual meal, these sandwiches offer the perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken with a soft bun and tangy pickle. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these mini sandwiches are sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintMini Crispy Chicken Sandwiches
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
Description
These Mini Crispy Chicken Sandwiches are a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. With crispy, golden-brown chicken, soft slider buns, and tangy pickles, these sandwiches are full of flavor and sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 12 slider buns
- Pickles, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into small slider-sized pieces.
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a piece of fried chicken on each slider bun, adding pickles, and serving.
Notes
- You can add extra toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or a drizzle of mayonnaise or hot sauce for added flavor.
- If you prefer, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version instead of frying.
- Make sure to keep the fried chicken crispy by serving immediately after assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes