Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich from Hardee's features a juicy, tender chicken breast coated in a crispy, golden breading, nestled between a soft, toasted bun with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise for a satisfying and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sheet pan or tray
- Wire rack
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Bun toaster/panini press/griddle
- Spatula
- Squeeze bottle/spoon for mayonnaise
- 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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 hamburger buns
- 2 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
The key to achieving the signature crispiness of the Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich lies in the combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the breading mix, which creates a light yet crunchy coating. Soaking the chicken breasts in buttermilk before dredging enhances tenderness and flavor. Proper seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper ensures a balanced taste that mimics Hardee's original recipe. Using a food thermometer to fry the chicken to an internal temperature of 165degF guarantees safety and juiciness. Your homemade Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich from Hardee's copycat menu will deliver a crispy, flavorful experience reminiscent of the fast-food classic.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and eggs; whisk until blended.
- Add chicken breasts to buttermilk mixture; marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight, chilled).
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place breaded chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 4-6 minutes.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Toast buns using a toaster, panini press, or griddle.
- Spread mayonnaise on the top halves of buns.
- Place lettuce and tomato slices on bottom halves of buns.
- Position fried chicken breasts on top of lettuce and tomato.
- Close sandwiches with top buns and serve immediately.
Substitution
Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich from Hardee's copycat menu calls for buttermilk to tenderize and flavor the chicken, but you can substitute it by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. If a deep fryer is unavailable, a heavy-bottomed pot with enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken can be used to achieve the same crispy texture, monitored carefully with a food thermometer to maintain an oil temperature of 350degF (175degC). Cornstarch enhances the breading's crispiness, but all-purpose flour alone can be used if cornstarch is not on hand, though the texture may be slightly less crunchy. When assembling, replace iceberg lettuce with romaine or leaf lettuce for a different crunch, and mayonnaise can be flavored with a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to add a personalized touch to your sandwich. You should always rest fried chicken on a wire rack over a sheet pan rather than paper towels to keep the breading crispy and prevent sogginess.
Tips
Always use a food thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC), preventing any risk of undercooking. After dredging, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to help the breading adhere better and create a crispier crust during frying. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a golden, crispy finish without greasy or undercooked spots. When assembling your sandwich, spread mayonnaise evenly on the toasted bun to add moisture and balance the crispy texture of the chicken.
Nutritions
The Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich from Hardee's provides a good source of protein from the juicy chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The breading, made with flour and cornstarch, adds carbohydrates that supply quick energy, while the mayonnaise contributes fats that enhance flavor and satiety. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes offer dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and digestion. Your choice to enjoy this sandwich can balance indulgence with nutritional benefits when paired with mindful portion control.
Storage
Store leftover Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the fried chicken in the refrigerator at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3-4 days to ensure food safety. Reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) using an oven or air fryer for best texture and flavor before assembling your sandwich again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the flavor of your Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich by substituting buttermilk with a mixture of plain yogurt and a splash of lemon juice for a tangier marinade. Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch blend with panko breadcrumbs to achieve a lighter, crunchier texture in the breading. Instead of deep frying, try pan-frying the chicken breasts in a cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil for a slightly healthier option and crispier edges. For a twist in sauce, replace the mayonnaise with a garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo to elevate the sandwich's savory profile.
Allergies
The Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from the all-purpose flour and hamburger buns), and milk (from buttermilk and mayonnaise). Cross-contamination with other allergens like soy or gluten may occur during preparation if shared kitchen equipment is used. You should check ingredient labels carefully and consult with the restaurant if you have specific allergies to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich from Hardee's features juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy breading that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Its rich flavor profile balances savory spices and a golden, flaky crust, making it a crave-worthy option for chicken lovers. You'll appreciate the homemade quality when making a copycat version, as it allows you to customize seasoning and achieve restaurant-style taste at home. Replicating this sandwich brings the rewarding experience of crafting a classic comfort food with fresh ingredients and authentic texture.