The Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Dairy Queen features a golden, crunchy breaded chicken fillet layered with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun, delivering a satisfying mix of crispy and juicy flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet pan
- Wire rack
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill
- Spatula
- Sauce bottle (optional, for condiments)
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- 2 soft hamburger buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Mayonnaise (optional)
When preparing your Crispy Chicken Sandwich, ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded for consistent cooking and marinate them in buttermilk to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the breading creates the perfect golden, crispy texture when fried in hot vegetable oil. Use fresh romaine or iceberg lettuce and fully ripe tomatoes to add crispness and juiciness to your sandwich. Toast the buns with butter for a soft, flavorful base that withstands the sandwich's moist ingredients. Your homemade Crispy Chicken Sandwich from this Dairy Queen copycat menu will closely replicate the satisfying crunch and juicy taste you love from the original.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken breasts in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Use food thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken with tongs and drain on wire rack placed over a sheet pan.
- Slice tomatoes and wash lettuce leaves using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Butter buns and toast them on a toaster or grill until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on buns if desired.
- Layer lettuce and tomato on bottom bun.
- Place crispy chicken fillet on top.
- Top with remaining bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Dairy Queen copycat Crispy Chicken Sandwich can be customized easily by swapping romaine or iceberg lettuce with kale or arugula for added nutrition and flavor. You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is not available. Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for frying if you prefer healthier fat options. If you don't have a deep fryer, pan-frying with enough oil in a skillet works well to achieve a crispy crust. Toast your buns on a grill or skillet using butter or mayo for a richer taste and better texture.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350degF (175degC) using a deep fryer to achieve that perfect crispy texture on your chicken without undercooking or burning. Using a food thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) is crucial for safety and juiciness. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the marinated chicken to create a thick, crunchy coating that won't easily fall off during frying. Toasting the buns with butter enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess from the juicy tomato and mayonnaise, making your sandwich more enjoyable.
Nutritions
Your Crispy Chicken Sandwich provides a balanced mix of protein from the boneless chicken breasts and essential vitamins from fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes. The breading, made with flour and cornstarch, adds carbohydrates and contributes to the sandwich's crispy texture, while frying in vegetable oil increases calorie content and fat. Opting for romaine or iceberg lettuce offers dietary fiber and antioxidants that support digestion and immunity. To maintain nutritional quality, you can control added fats such as butter and mayonnaise according to your dietary needs.
Storage
To store your Crispy Chicken Sandwich properly, wrap the cooled chicken fillet tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sandwich components like lettuce, tomato, and toasted buns separate to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness without drying it out.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the buttermilk marinade with a yogurt-based one for a tangier flavor and tender texture. Experiment with adding grated Parmesan or finely chopped herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for enhanced seasoning. Baking the breaded chicken on a wire rack in the oven at 400degF (204degC) for 20 minutes is a healthier alternative to deep frying, maintaining crispiness without excess oil. Consider using brioche buns instead of standard hamburger buns to add a slightly sweet and richer taste to your sandwich.
Allergies
The Crispy Chicken Sandwich contains key allergens including wheat from the all-purpose flour and buns, dairy from the buttermilk and butter, and eggs possibly present in mayonnaise if used. Cross-contamination with other allergens like soy or nuts could occur during preparation if equipment is shared. You should inform the restaurant about any allergies to avoid potential allergic reactions when enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
Dairy Queen's Crispy Chicken Sandwich menu is popular for its perfectly seasoned, tender chicken fillet paired with a crunchy exterior that delivers a satisfying texture in every bite. The sandwich combines fresh, crisp lettuce and a soft bun, enhancing the overall balance of flavors. Creating a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste while replicating the signature crunch and juiciness. Trying your hand at making this fan-favorite sandwich at home is worth it for both the enjoyment and the opportunity to perfect a restaurant-quality meal.