The Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Carl's Jr. features a golden, crispy chicken filet topped with melted Swiss cheese, smoky bacon strips, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickles, all nestled between a toasted, buttery bun for a satisfying blend of savory flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Tongs
- Sheet pan
- Oven (for toasting buns, if not grilled)
- Toaster or grill (for buns)
- Cheese slicer (optional, for Swiss cheese)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Food thermometer
- Tray or assembly station
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 2-3 slices bacon
- Leaf lettuce
- Sliced pickles
- 2 hamburger buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Ensure the chicken breast is evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture made from garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Use fresh vegetable oil heated to the correct temperature for frying to maintain the sandwich's signature crunch without being greasy. Your Swiss cheese slices should melt thoroughly over the hot chicken filet to enhance the creamy, savory flavor profile. Crisp, smoky bacon strips add a contrasting texture and flavor that complements the tender chicken and tangy pickles. This combination of ingredients replicates the classic Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Carl's Jr., delivering an authentic, satisfying taste experience.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk buttermilk and egg in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pound chicken breast to even thickness if needed.
- Dip chicken breast into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then dredge in seasoned flour.
- Place breaded chicken on a sheet pan.
- Fry chicken in deep fryer until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain chicken on sheet pan lined with paper towels.
- Cook bacon strips on a pan or oven until crispy; set aside.
- Slice Swiss cheese if not pre-sliced.
- Butter hamburger buns lightly.
- Toast buns on a grill, toaster, or oven until golden brown.
- Place fried chicken on bottom bun.
- Layer Swiss cheese slices over hot chicken breast.
- Add crispy bacon strips atop cheese.
- Top with leaf lettuce and sliced pickles.
- Cover with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Carl's Jr. copycat menu calls for a crispy fried chicken filet layered with Swiss cheese, smoky bacon, lettuce, and pickles on a buttery toasted bun. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar tenderizing effect for the chicken. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF to 375degF to ensure a crispy crust without excessive grease absorption. If Swiss cheese is unavailable, provolone or mozzarella can serve as mild-flavored alternatives that melt well. You can toast buns in an oven or toaster for convenience, but buttering them before toasting enhances the flavor and texture.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature in your deep fryer stays consistently at 350degF (175degC) for perfectly crispy chicken without sogginess or overcooking. Use a food thermometer to verify the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) to guarantee it is safely cooked through. Lightly butter the buns before toasting to achieve a golden, flavorful crust that complements the sandwich texture. When assembling, the heat from the chicken will slightly melt the Swiss cheese, so place it immediately while the chicken is still hot for optimal melty goodness.
Nutritions
The Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Carl's Jr. contains a protein-rich, deep-fried chicken breast combined with Swiss cheese and bacon, providing a substantial amount of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. The sandwich's crispy chicken coating adds carbohydrates due to the flour breading, while the buttered toasted buns offer additional carbs and fats. Leaf lettuce and sliced pickles contribute minimal calories but add fiber and micronutrients, supporting digestion and flavor balance. Your meal intake should consider these components for a balanced diet, especially if monitoring fat and sodium consumption.
Storage
Store leftover Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep the fried chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before serving. Toast buns and assemble your sandwich just before eating to preserve the crunchiness of the lettuce and pickles, ensuring your meal remains enjoyable.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder flavor. For a healthier variation, bake the breaded chicken breast at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of deep frying. Swap leaf lettuce with crunchy kale or arugula for added texture and nutrients. Consider using a brioche bun or ciabatta roll to elevate the sandwich's overall taste and presentation.
Allergies
Your Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour in the breading and buns, dairy from the Swiss cheese and butter, and eggs in the batter. The bacon and chicken are generally safe but could trigger individual sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Always check ingredient labels if you have specific allergies or intolerances to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Carl's Jr. combines crispy, seasoned chicken breast with savory Swiss cheese and crispy bacon, creating a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The sandwich's perfectly toasted bun and fresh lettuce add balance and enhance each bite. You'll appreciate the indulgent yet well-rounded taste that makes it a crave-worthy menu item. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved flavor profile anytime, with the flexibility to customize ingredients to your preference.