🍗✨ Ultimate Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Better Than Fast Food in 15 Minutes!)

This Crispy Chicken Sandwich delivers golden, juicy perfection with a secret crunchy coating and creamy slaw - no deep fryer needed! Perfect for hectic weeknights when you crave that fast-food thrill without the guilt or grease.

Why This Recipe Wins:
✔️ 15-minute miracle from fridge to table
✔️ Air fryer or skillet options included
✔️ Extra-crispy hack without buttermilk soak
✔️ Meal-prep friendly (cook chicken ahead)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2" thick)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 1 tsp each: garlic powder, paprika, salt
• Oil spray (for air fryer) or 1/4 cup neutral oil (for skillet)

For Assembly:

• 2 brioche buns, toasted
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage slaw
• 2 tbsp mayo + 1 tsp lemon juice (quick slaw dressing)
• Garlic aioli: 2 tbsp mayo + 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 pickle slices (optional but recommended!)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep Chicken (3 mins)

1. Brine: Soak chicken in buttermilk while prepping other ingredients (even 5 mins helps!).
2. Mix coatings:
   • Bowl 1: Flour + spices
   • Bowl 2: Crushed cornflakes

2️⃣ Bread & Cook (7 mins)

1. Dredge: Shake excess buttermilk → flour → buttermilk → cornflakes (press firmly).
2. Air Fryer Method:
   • Spray both sides, cook at 400°F for 6 mins, flip, cook 4 more mins.
3. Skillet Method:
   • Pan-fry in 1/4" oil 3-4 mins per side until 165°F internal temp.

3️⃣ Assemble (2 mins)

1. Toast buns lightly.
2. Layer: Bottom bun → aioli → chicken → slaw → pickles → top bun.

Health Hack:
• Use whole wheat buns (+2g fiber)
• Bake instead of fry (reduce calories by 20%)

🌟 Pro Tips

✅ Extra crunch: Add 1 tbsp cornstarch to flour
✅ No buttermilk? Use Greek yogurt thinned with milk
✅ Storage: Keep breaded raw chicken frozen for 3 months