Name: 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 jar sliced pickles, such as Vlasic, with brine; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk; 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (7 1/2 ounces; 210g, see note); 1 quart (945ml) peanut, vegetable, or canola oil; 4 soft hamburger buns or potato rolls, toasted

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If you’re searching for a crazy-easy shortcut to weeknight comfort food, these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches are about to win your heart. Imagine crispy, golden chicken thighs nestled in a pillowy soft bun, topped with tangy pickles and not much else — and you made it all with nothing more than a handful of pantry basics. This recipe keeps fuss to a minimum while delivering full-throttle flavor, just like the best chicken sandwiches you’ve ever craved.

5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing what you can create with a few humble ingredients when you let them truly shine. Each one in these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches brings something essential: from juicy brined chicken to fresh, fluffy buns, this is a masterclass in doing more with less.

Pickle juice and pickles: The brine not only seasons and tenderizes the chicken, but the pickles themselves add a satisfying crunch and pop of acidity at the end.
Chicken thighs: Their higher fat content ensures juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender and moist during frying.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient and keep the flavors straightforward and bold.
Buttermilk: It gives the chicken a subtle tang and helps the coating stick, ensuring that perfectly textured exterior.
Self-rising flour: The key to a crisp, airy crust that puffs up beautifully in the hot oil — no additional leaveners needed.
Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil: These oils have high smoke points, ensuring your chicken fries up golden and not greasy.
Soft hamburger buns or potato rolls: Their softness is the ideal partner to that crunchy chicken — bonus points if you get them nicely toasted.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

Start by pouring about three-quarters of a cup of pickle juice straight from the jar into a measuring cup. Generously season your chicken thighs with kosher salt and plenty of black pepper, then pop them in a zip-top bag. Pour in the pickle juice, press out as much air as you can, seal the bag tight, and let the chicken chill out in the fridge for at least an hour (or up to twelve if you’re planning ahead). This brine does all the heavy lifting to keep the meat juicy and packed with flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Dredging Station

When you’re ready to get cooking, pull the chicken out, pat each piece dry, and set up your dredging station. One bowl gets the buttermilk, and the second bowl gets the self-rising flour and a hearty tablespoon of black pepper. Here’s a little trick: transfer a few tablespoons of buttermilk into the flour and work it in with your fingertips. It’ll give you extra-crunchy, craggy bits on the chicken later!

Step 3: Dip and Dredge

Dip each thigh (one at a time) into the buttermilk, making sure it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off, then dunk it into your flour mixture. Heap the flour up on top, press it in firmly, and really focus on getting a nice, thick, shaggy layer sticking to the chicken. Lay each finished piece on a plate and get ready to fry.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Pour your oil into a deep skillet or heavy Dutch oven and heat it up to 425°F. Don’t skip the thermometer here — temperature control is your best friend for perfect fried chicken! Gently lower the battered chicken into the hot oil (watch for splatters), and keep an eye on the temp, adjusting the heat as needed to stay between 300 and 350°F. Fry without moving the pieces for about two minutes to get a gorgeous brown crust, then flip and cook another two or three minutes until both sides are crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Build the Sandwiches

Now for the grand assembly: Set out your toasted buns, lay down a generous layer of pickles, and crown them with a slab of hot, crispy fried chicken. Pop on the top bun, serve at once, and listen for the collective swoon at the table. Trust me, these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches do not last long once they’re stacked!

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Garnishes

Sometimes pure simplicity really is best: a hefty pile of tangy pickles is the classic move, but you can also toss on a swipe of mayo, a splash of hot sauce, or a little shredded lettuce for extra crunch. Just don’t overwhelm the chicken — it’s the undisputed star of these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches love classic Southern sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a pile of crispy fries. If you want something lighter, serve up some pickled veggies or a fresh green salad to balance out the rich, golden-fried chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, try turning the 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches into sliders using small rolls. Or take a fun picnic approach — wrap each sandwich in deli paper for a nostalgic, grab-and-go lunch. They’re just as perfect for summer backyard gatherings as they are for cozy indoor dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover fried chicken (a rare occurrence), let it cool completely, then tuck the pieces into an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble fresh sandwiches as needed so the buns don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Fried chicken actually freezes well: lay the cooled pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, just pull out what you need for a speedy homemade sandwich.

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, reheat the chicken in a hot oven (about 400°F) on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This helps restore that irresistible crispiness and keeps the meat juicy without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches?

Absolutely! Just be sure to slice the breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and keep an eye on the frying time, as breasts may cook a bit faster than thighs.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

No problem! You can make your own by adding 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to every cup of all-purpose flour. The result will give you a similar lift and crispness.

Is the pickle juice flavor very strong?

Not at all. It acts more as a gentle, tangy marinade that keeps the chicken extra moist. The final result is subtle, so even non-pickle-lovers usually fall in love with these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

You can try! The texture will be a little different, but air frying at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, works well. Spray the coated chicken lightly with cooking oil for the best crust.

Do I need a thermometer for frying?

It’s strongly recommended — keeping your oil at the right temperature is the secret to crisp, non-greasy chicken. But if you don’t have one, drop a little flour into the oil: if it sizzles right away, you’re in the ballpark.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you’ve tried these 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches, you may never go back to takeout. They’re impossibly simple, outrageously tasty, and a guaranteed hit for any meal. Give them a go and watch how fast they disappear!

5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 28 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These 5-Ingredient Fried Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and simple meal that combines juicy fried chicken with tangy pickles on soft buns. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 jar sliced pickles, such as Vlasic, with brine
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (7 1/2 ounces; 210g, see note)

For Frying:

1 quart (945ml) peanut, vegetable, or canola oil

For Serving:

4 soft hamburger buns or potato rolls, toasted

Instructions

Pour pickle juice and Marinate Chicken: Pour 3/4 cup pickle juice from the jar into a measuring cup. Season chicken with salt and pepper, place in a bag with pickle juice, refrigerate for 1-12 hours.
Prep Chicken and Coating: Pat chicken dry, set up buttermilk and flour mixtures.
Coat Chicken and Fry: Coat chicken in buttermilk and flour, fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place pickles on bottom buns, top with fried chicken, and top buns. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the chicken.
You can customize the sandwich with your favorite condiments like mayo or hot sauce.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American