Arby's Crispy Chicken Sandwich features a golden, crispy fried chicken breast topped with fresh lettuce and creamy mayonnaise, all nestled inside a soft, toasted sesame seed bun for a satisfying crunch and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Bun toaster or griddle
- Spatula
- Baking tray or plate (for assembling)
- Squeeze bottle or spatula (for mayonnaise)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 sesame seed sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 large lettuce leaves
Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated in buttermilk before dredging in the seasoned flour mixture to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Use fresh lettuce leaves to add a crisp and refreshing contrast to the fried chicken. Vegetable oil must be heated to the right temperature, around 350degF, to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly without becoming greasy. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of heat in the breading according to your taste preference. Arby's Crispy Chicken Sandwich from the copycat menu delivers a satisfying crunch with tender chicken, fresh lettuce, creamy mayo, and a toasted sesame seed bun, capturing the iconic flavor and texture of the original.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin fillets.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add chicken fillets to buttermilk mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in refrigerator).
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, remaining salt, and remaining black pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk; dredge each fillet in seasoned flour mixture, pressing for good adhesion.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken fillets in hot oil until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) (about 4-6 minutes).
- Use tongs to transfer fried chicken to a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Toast sesame seed buns on a bun toaster or griddle until lightly golden.
- Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on each bottom bun.
- Top each with one large lettuce leaf.
- Place one crispy fried chicken fillet over lettuce on each bun.
- Cover with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Arby's Crispy Chicken Sandwich from the copycat menu replicates the iconic golden, crispy fried chicken breast with fresh lettuce and creamy mayonnaise on a toasted sesame seed bun. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts to achieve a juicier texture, though cooking times may vary. If buttermilk is unavailable, a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar works well as a marinade to tenderize the chicken. When deep frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to ensure a crisp, non-greasy coating. For a healthier option, consider oven-baking the chicken on a greased baking tray but expect a slightly different texture.
Tips
Ensure your chicken fillets are uniformly thin by slicing breasts horizontally to promote even cooking and crispy texture. Maintain oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) during frying to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken; use a thermometer to monitor this precisely. Press the seasoned flour mixture firmly onto the marinated chicken to ensure the coating sticks well, enhancing flavor and crunch. When assembling, spread mayonnaise evenly with a squeeze bottle or spatula to balance moisture and crispness, preventing soggy buns and keeping your sandwich delicious.
Nutritions
Arby's Crispy Chicken Sandwich provides a rich source of protein from the golden fried chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The sandwich contains dietary fats primarily from the mayonnaise and frying oil, which contribute to its calorie content, so your intake should align with your daily fat goals. Lettuce adds a small amount of dietary fiber and vitamins like vitamin A and K, enhancing the sandwich's nutrient profile. Choosing whole grain sesame buns or modifying the mayonnaise quantity allows you to tailor the sandwich's carbohydrate and fat levels according to your nutritional needs.
Storage
Store any leftover crispy chicken fillets in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the sandwich buns in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature or freeze for longer storage to avoid staleness. For best results when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to crisp the chicken and buns without sogginess, ensuring your sandwich retains its original texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of milk for a tangier marinade that tenderizes the chicken while adding protein. Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the seasoned flour for an extra crunchy coating that enhances texture and mouthfeel. Replace mayonnaise with a spicy chipotle aioli made by blending mayo with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to introduce smoky heat and creaminess. You can also air-fry the chicken at 375degF (190degC) for about 12 minutes to reduce oil usage while achieving a crispy exterior.
Allergies
Arby's Crispy Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and sesame seeds in the sandwich buns, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or sesame allergies. The mayonnaise may contain eggs, posing a risk for those with egg allergies. If You have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, it's important to check labels or opt for allergy-friendly alternatives.
Why this recipe?
Arby's Crispy Chicken Sandwich is loved for its perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breast coated in a crunchy, flaky batter that delivers satisfying texture and bold flavor. The sandwich is complemented by fresh, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. You can recreate this iconic taste at home with simple ingredients to enjoy a restaurant-quality sandwich anytime. Making a copycat version lets you customize the flavors and freshness to suit your personal cravings while saving money.