Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe

If you are craving something that’s juicy, crunchy, bursting with fresh herb flavors, and downright irresistible, this Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. It perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken soaked in a tangy dill pickle-infused marinade with a satisfyingly crisp crust laden with aromatic dill weed. Each bite delivers an explosion of bold flavors and textures layered between lightly toasted buttery brioche buns, complemented by a creamy dill aioli and zingy pickle chips. Trust me, once you make this, there’s no going back to ordinary fried chicken sandwiches.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building the vibrant flavors, perfect crispiness, and inviting colors of this sandwich. From the dill in the marinade to the cornstarch in the coating, every element works together to create magic.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose large pieces for perfect sandwich-sized portions that stay juicy inside.
• Buttermilk: The tenderizing agent that helps keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle tang.
• Dill pickle juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick straight into the marinade for that signature dill flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the marinade and dredging flour, ensuring crisp crust.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika: Core spices that build a balanced and flavorful seasoning base.
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The dynamic duo for a super crunchy coating that stays crisp.
• Dried dill weed: Brings concentrated herbaceous notes right in the crust.
• Baking powder: Adds subtle lightness to the coating for extra crunch.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral frying oil, perfect for achieving that golden-brown crust.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dill aioli, lending richness.
• Fresh dill: Finely chopped for a fragrant, fresh herb punch in the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the aioli and balances richness.
• Garlic and Dijon mustard: Boost the aioli with layers of savory flavor.
• Brioche buns: Soft and buttery, perfect for sturdy sandwich assembly.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot chicken for creamy touch.
• Shredded lettuce and dill pickle chips: Add crisp texture and tangy freshness.
• Butter: For toasting the buns to golden perfection.

How to Make Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together buttermilk, dill pickle juice, egg, and seasonings to create a flavorful soaking bath for the chicken breasts. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours — ideally overnight — gives the flavors time to fully infuse while tenderizing the meat. This step is key for juicy bites packed with that unique dill tang.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

Next, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, dried dill weed, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This mixture forms the coating that turns crispy and golden when fried. The addition of cornstarch and baking powder helps create a light, crunchy crust that’s anything but ordinary.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Press firmly into the flour mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. For double crispiness, you can dip back into the buttermilk and dredge again. This layered coating is what makes the chicken irresistibly crisp.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Fill a heavy pot or Dutch oven with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial to fry the chicken perfectly without it absorbing excess oil, resulting in that signature crunchy shell.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place one or two chicken breasts into the hot oil, giving them plenty of space to cook evenly. Fry each side for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through but still juicy inside.

Step 6: Drain the Chicken

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to lift the chicken from the oil and set it on a wire rack lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain while keeping the crust crisp instead of soggy.

Step 7: Make the Dill Aioli

Mix mayonnaise with finely chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Chill this flavorful sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld — this creamy condiment elevates the sandwich to something truly special.

Step 8: Toast the Buns

Brush the brioche buns with melted butter and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crisp. Toasting the buns adds texture contrast and prevents sogginess once the sandwich is assembled.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread the dill aioli generously on both the top and bottom buns. Start with a bed of shredded lettuce on the bottom bun for crunch, layer on the crispy fried chicken breast, add a slice of cheddar cheese that will slightly melt on the warm chicken, then top with dill pickle chips for that tangy pop. Cap it with the top bun and get ready to dig in.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe right away while the chicken remains hot and crunchy, the cheese melty, and the buns perfectly toasted. This sandwich is best devoured fresh for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

How to Serve Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

Add fresh sprigs of dill or a few extra dill pickle chips on the side to reinforce the herby, tangy theme of the sandwich and make the presentation pop with color and freshness. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper on top can give a bit of spicy warmth.

Side Dishes

Crisp French fries, crispy potato wedges, or a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette pair beautifully with this sandwich. The sides should complement without overshadowing the dill-forward flavors and crunchy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or casual party, serve the sandwiches open-faced on rustic wooden boards, letting everyone add their own extra dill pickles or aioli. Alternatively, cut each sandwich diagonally for easy sharing and visual appeal, showcasing the golden crusts and gooey cheese inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover fried chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the dill aioli separately to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked and cooled chicken breasts individually wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat and retain crispiness, warm the chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. Toast the buns fresh before assembling leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs offer more fat and tenderness, which can make the sandwich even juicier. Just adjust frying time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is the dill flavor very strong in this recipe?

The dill is prominent but well balanced with the tanginess of pickle juice and brightness from lemon juice, providing fresh herbal notes without overpowering the other flavors.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the marinade.

Can these sandwiches be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour and cornstarch for gluten-free blends or rice flour, and verify your other ingredients are gluten-free. The sandwich will still taste delicious with a crunchy coating.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, toast the buns well, drain excess oil from the chicken on a rack, and assemble just before serving. Also, keep sauces and pickles on the side if serving later.

Final Thoughts

Getting to share this Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe with you feels like passing along a little culinary treasure. It’s vibrant, juicy, crispy, and layered with fresh herb and tangy pickle flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this sandwich, it will quickly become one of your comfort food favorites to make again and again. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple but mighty ingredients, and dive into this delicious journey!

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