Sink your teeth into the perfect harmony of spicy, crispy, and creamy with this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Ranch Slaw. Each bite bursts with bold buffalo flavor balanced by a cool, tangy ranch slaw that offers a refreshing crunch. Whether a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this sandwich promises a delightful experience that’s both satisfying and full of texture.
This sandwich is not just tasty but also quick to whip up, featuring marinated chicken fried to golden perfection and wrapped in a soft bun toasted to buttery crispness. It’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for lunches, dinners, or game-day gatherings that’ll keep everyone reaching for more.
- Perfect balance of crispy chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce for delicious heat.
- Creamy ranch slaw adds refreshing crunch and coolness to every bite.
- Quick to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and minimal fuss.
- Versatile sandwich for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean chicken perfect for marinating and frying to crispy perfection.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a crispy, crunchy coating when fried for the perfect texture.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and rich aroma to the coating blend.
- Paprika: Contributes a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful golden color to the crust.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Introduces an extra kick of heat for spice lovers.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Buffalo sauce: Tangy and spicy sauce that delivers the iconic buffalo flavor coating the chicken.
- Burger buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold the sandwich together with a tender bite.
- Shredded cabbage: Crunchy, fresh base for the creamy ranch slaw topping.
- Shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy and herbaceous dressing that perfectly complements the spicy chicken.
- Cooking oil: For frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection without greasiness.
- Sliced pickles (optional): Adds a sharp, tangy crunch that elevates the sandwich’s flavor contrast.
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
Submerge the chicken breasts in buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This tenderizes the meat and infuses moisture, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken once cooked.
- Mix the Flour Coating
Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This seasoned blend creates a crispy, flavorful crust that embraces the chicken perfectly when fried.
- Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Drain the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each breast in the seasoned flour mixture. Ensuring a complete, even coating helps develop a crunchy texture on frying.
- Heat the Oil Properly
Warm ½ inch of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Proper oil temperature is key for achieving a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Carefully place each coated chicken breast in the hot oil. Fry for 6–7 minutes per side until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring thorough cooking and crunch.
- Coat Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil. While still warm, toss the chicken pieces in buffalo sauce to evenly coat, delivering that signature spicy flavor.
- Prepare the Ranch Slaw
Mix shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and ranch dressing in a bowl until well combined. The creamy slaw adds a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- Toast the Buns
Toast the burger buns in the skillet used for frying until golden brown. This adds a slightly crispy texture and enhances the flavor with a buttery note.
- Assemble the Sandwiches
Place buffalo chicken on the bottom half of each bun, then pile on a generous amount of ranch slaw. Complete with the top bun and press lightly to secure all components.
- Serve and Garnish
Optionally add sliced pickles for extra tang and crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect medley of textures and bold flavors.
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature for frying to avoid greasy chicken and achieve crispy crust.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and adjust buffalo sauce accordingly.
Storage Tips
Store leftover buffalo chicken and ranch slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness before assembling fresh sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Complement your sandwich with classic sides like crispy fries, celery sticks, or sweet potato wedges. Pair with a cold beverage such as iced tea or a crisp lager to balance the spicy flavors.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken doneness for juicy, safe-to-eat results.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help the flour blend stick better and create a crunchier crust.
- Lightly toast buns in the pan after frying for added flavor and to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier alternative though it will be less crispy.
- Can I use a different dressing for the slaw?
Ranch is recommended for balance, but blue cheese or a yogurt-based dressing can also complement the buffalo flavors.
- How spicy is this sandwich?
The heat level can be adjusted by modifying the cayenne in the flour and the amount of buffalo sauce used, from mild to fiery.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Can this sandwich be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free buns to suit dietary needs.
- How should leftovers be stored?
Keep chicken and slaw separate in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken thoroughly and assemble fresh before serving.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for frying and toasting buns
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 paper towel-lined plate for draining excess oil
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 burger buns
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Cooking oil for frying
- Sliced pickles optional, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each breast in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat about ½ inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove chicken and drain on paper towel-lined plate, then toss while hot in buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
- Prepare the ranch slaw by combining shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and ranch dressing; toss to coat.
- Optionally toast the burger buns in the skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing buffalo chicken on bottom bun, topping with ranch slaw, then adding the top bun.
- Serve immediately with sliced pickles if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use oil with high smoke point for frying.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Optional pickles add a crunchy texture contrast.
