The Whatachick'n Sandwich from Whataburger features a crispy, hand-breaded chicken filet topped with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato, served on a toasted bun for a savory and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Bun toaster or griddle
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
Choosing fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast is essential to achieve the Whatachick'n Sandwich's tender texture. Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and aids in the breading's adhesion, while the combination of all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs ensures a crispy, crunchy coating. Using a precise mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper enhances the sandwich's bold and savory flavor profile. Fry the chicken in vegetable oil heated to the appropriate temperature to get a golden-brown crust without greasiness. Your copycat Whatachick'n Sandwich from Whataburger will be complete with toasted buns, fresh lettuce leaves, and ripe tomato slices for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Slice chicken breasts into 4 equal fillets.
- Place fillets in a bowl and cover with buttermilk; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge each marinated fillet in the dry mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Preheat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken fillets in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked fillets onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Slice tomatoes and wash lettuce leaves; set aside.
- Slice buns and butter the cut sides.
- Toast buns on a bun toaster or griddle until golden brown.
- Place chicken filet on bottom half of each bun.
- Top with lettuce leaves and tomato slices.
- Cover with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Whatachick'n Sandwich copycat recipe replicates Whataburger's crispy, hand-breaded chicken filet paired with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato on a toasted bun. If you cannot find buttermilk, you can substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. For a healthier option, baking the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400degF for 20-25 minutes can replace deep frying while maintaining crispiness. Use a spatula or tongs carefully when flipping the chicken to avoid losing the breading. Toasting the buns on a griddle or pan with butter enhances flavor, but an oven toaster also works well for an evenly crisp finish on your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays consistently around 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without undercooking the chicken inside. Press the flour and breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the marinated chicken fillets to create a uniform crust that holds together during frying. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain fried chicken; this prevents sogginess by allowing excess oil to drip away. When toasting buns, butter the cut sides evenly and toast until golden brown to add flavor and prevent soggy bread when assembled with moist ingredients.
Nutritions
The Whatachick'n Sandwich offers a protein-rich meal with approximately 30 grams of protein per serving, sourced from the hand-breaded chicken breast. The coating combines all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, contributing around 35 grams of carbohydrates. Fresh lettuce and tomato add dietary fiber and vitamins A and C, enhancing your sandwich's nutritional value. You should be mindful of the sandwich's calorie content, approximately 600-700 calories, mostly from the frying oil and bread.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked chicken fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crispiness. Keep lettuce and tomato slices separately in sealed containers to prevent sogginess; use within 1-2 days for optimal quality. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to restore its crisp texture without drying out.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breast for thigh meat to enhance juiciness and tenderness in your Whatachick'n Sandwich. For a healthier twist, bake the breaded fillets at 400degF (200degC) on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes instead of frying. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor profile. Using sourdough or brioche buns adds a richer texture and taste to your sandwich experience.
Allergies
The Whatachick'n Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, as well as dairy from the buttermilk and unsalted butter. Soy may also be present if vegetable oil used for frying contains soy derivatives. You should be cautious if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or soy when consuming this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
The Whatachick'n Sandwich from Whataburger restaurant stands out with its crispy, seasoned chicken breast paired with fresh lettuce and mayo on a toasted buttery bun, delivering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Customers appreciate its well-balanced taste that is both hearty and simple, catering to a wide range of preferences. Making a copycat version at home lets You customize spice levels and ingredient quality, ensuring a personalized and cost-effective alternative. The sandwich's popularity highlights its iconic status within fast-food chicken offerings, making it worth replicating for an authentic taste experience.