The Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich from Checkers/Rally's features a juicy, hand-breaded crispy chicken breast topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, and creamy mayonnaise, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun for a satisfying crunch and bold flavor.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Meat tenderizer
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Bun toaster or grill
- Sheet pan or tray
- Squeeze bottle (for mayonnaise)
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Using buttermilk to marinate the chicken breasts helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tang that enhances flavor. Combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the breading mixture creates an extra crispy coating for the chicken. Proper seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper ensures a bold and balanced taste. Toasting the buns with unsalted butter adds a rich, golden crunch that complements the sandwich's juicy chicken. Your homemade Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich from Checkers/Rally's copycat menu will deliver the same satisfying crunch and bold flavor as the original.
Instructions
- Use a chef’s knife and cutting board to slice chicken breasts in half horizontally for thinner pieces.
- Use a meat tenderizer to flatten chicken pieces to even thickness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and eggs; whisk until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts into the buttermilk-egg mixture to marinate (at least 30 minutes).
- In another mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, dredge each piece in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (use a food thermometer to check).
- Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, using tongs to turn as needed.
- Transfer fried chicken to a sheet pan/tray lined with paper towels.
- Slice tomatoes using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Melt butter and brush onto sandwich buns; toast buns on a bun toaster or grill until golden brown.
- Spread mayonnaise onto top buns using a squeeze bottle.
- Layer fried chicken, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickle slices onto bottom buns.
- Top with mayonnaise-smeared buns to assemble sandwiches.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich from Checkers/Rally's copycat menu replicates the signature crispy, hand-breaded chicken breast with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, and creamy mayonnaise on a soft toasted bun. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar to tenderize the chicken effectively. When deep frying, maintain oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without undercooking the chicken inside. Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption. You might also swap iceberg lettuce with romaine or green leaf lettuce if preferred or for more crunch.
Tips
Make sure to marinate your chicken breasts in the buttermilk and egg mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness and flavor infusion. Use a food thermometer to verify the oil temperature stays at 350degF and confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption. When dredging the chicken in the flour-cornstarch-spice blend, coat it thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness. Toast your buns with butter just before assembling the sandwich to maintain a warm, soft texture that complements the crunchy chicken.
Nutritions
The Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich from Checkers/Rally's provides a rich source of protein from the hand-breaded, fried chicken breast, which supports muscle repair and growth. The sandwich also contains carbohydrates from the toasted bun, offering a quick energy boost, paired with fats from mayonnaise and frying oil that contribute to satiety. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to support your immune system. While flavorful and satisfying, the sandwich is relatively high in calories, sodium, and fat, so it can fit into your diet best when balanced with lighter meals throughout the day.
Storage
To store leftover Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich components, keep the fried chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Ensure the fried chicken is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating and consume within 2-3 days for optimal safety and flavor. When reheating the chicken, use a deep fryer or oven to retain its crispy texture; avoid microwaving as it may result in sogginess, helping you enjoy your sandwich at its best.
Variation or Alternatives
To add a smoky flavor to your Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich, try substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika in the flour mixture. Instead of deep frying, you can use an air fryer to reduce oil absorption while maintaining crispiness. You might also experiment with different buns like brioche or ciabatta for varying textures and taste. Consider adding a spicy aioli or honey mustard in place of mayonnaise to enhance the sandwich's bold flavors.
Allergies
The Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from all-purpose flour and sandwich buns), and dairy (buttermilk, unsalted butter, and mayonnaise). Cross-contamination with other allergens is possible during preparation, so individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution. You should always verify ingredient details with the restaurant if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich from Checkers/Rally's is beloved for its crispy, seasoned chicken filet paired with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a special zesty sauce, creating a bold flavor profile that stands out among fast-food options. Many appreciate the sandwich's satisfying crunch and juicy tenderness, making each bite memorable and crave-worthy. Crafting a copycat version allows you to customize the spice level and ingredients to match your preferences, offering a fulfilling homemade alternative. Replicating this menu favorite lets you enjoy the unique taste of Checkers/Rally's in the comfort of your own kitchen.