The Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich from Hard Rock Cafe features a juicy, crispy fried chicken breast layered with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy pickles, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun, delivering a satisfying crunch and bold Southern flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet or tray
- Paper towels
- Plate/platter
- Toaster or grill pan
- Spatula
- Sandwich assembly area
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 8 slices dill pickle
- 2 soft sandwich buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Mayonnaise (optional for serving)
Make sure to marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor. Use a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a light, crispy coating that delivers the perfect crunch. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, as it adds a bold, spicy kick typical of Southern cuisine. Use fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and dill pickles to balance the richness of the fried chicken in your sandwich. Your Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich from Hard Rock Cafe copycat menu will shine with these ingredient tips, giving you an authentic and satisfying taste experience.
Instructions
- Set up deep fryer and preheat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add chicken breasts to buttermilk mixture; marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip.
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Place coated chicken on a baking sheet; let rest 5–10 minutes.
- Fry chicken breasts in preheated oil until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C), about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove chicken; drain on paper towels.
- Slice tomatoes and prepare lettuce leaves.
- Split sandwich buns; butter and toast on grill pan or toaster.
- Optional: Spread mayonnaise on toasted buns.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickle slices on bottom bun.
- Place hot fried chicken breast on top of vegetables.
- Cap sandwich with top bun.
- Serve immediately on plate or platter.
Substitution
The Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich from Hard Rock Cafe copycat menu offers a flavorful, crispy fried chicken experience with classic Southern spices. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and lemon juice to achieve similar tenderizing effects on the chicken. Using an oven-baked method instead of deep frying can reduce oil usage but may result in less crunch. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption. Your sandwich will taste best when the buns are toasted with a light layer of butter to add richness and texture.
Tips
Make sure to marinate your chicken breasts fully in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture to ensure tender, flavorful meat. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. After dredging, let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying; this helps the coating adhere better and results in crispier crust. When assembling your sandwich, toast the buns with a light layer of butter to enhance texture and add a golden crunch.
Nutritions
The Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich from Hard Rock Cafe provides a balanced mix of protein from the juicy fried chicken breast and fiber-rich nutrients from fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Each sandwich contains essential vitamins like vitamin C and K, along with minerals such as potassium and iron, primarily from the vegetables and pickles. The bread bun offers carbohydrates for energy, while the fried chicken adds calories from fats due to its crispy coating and frying process. You can enjoy this sandwich as a hearty meal but be mindful of the sodium content from seasoning and pickles.
Storage
To keep Your Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich fresh, store the fried chicken breast separately in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent sogginess. Wrap the sandwich buns and fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and pickles tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in sealed containers to maintain their crispness. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy texture while keeping the toppings chilled and fresh.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting the buttermilk marinade with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice for a tangier flavor and tender texture. You can also swap dill pickles for spicy jalapeno slices to add a kick. Instead of deep frying, oven-bake the breaded chicken breasts at 425degF (220degC) on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes to reduce oil use and keep crispiness. Use ciabatta or brioche buns for a different bread texture that complements the crunchy chicken.
Allergies
The Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens including wheat from the all-purpose flour and sandwich buns, and eggs or dairy may be present in the mayonnaise and buttermilk used for marinating the chicken. Cross-contact with vegetable oil or spices could also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consult with the restaurant if you have any food allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich at Hard Rock Cafe offers a crispy, juicy chicken fillet seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, layered with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and zesty pickles on a toasted bun. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite among customers seeking a hearty and flavorful meal. You can recreate this iconic sandwich at home to enjoy restaurant-quality taste while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to experience the signature Hard Rock Cafe flavor anytime, saving money and elevating your homemade sandwich game.