Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich – Crunchy, Zesty & Comforting
This crispy lemon pepper chicken sandwich is made with juicy buttermilk-brined chicken, coated in zesty lemon pepper seasoning, and fried until golden and crunchy. Served on a soft brioche bun with fresh toppings, it’s a restaurant-style comfort food you can easily make at home for family dinners, game-day spreads, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce optional
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns
- Lettuce pickles, tomato slices (optional)
- Mayonnaise aioli, or hot honey for spreading
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, add chicken, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Prep coating: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken: Remove from marinade, shake off excess, then coat thoroughly in seasoned flour.
- Fry: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Assemble sandwiches: Toast buns, spread with mayo or aioli, add lettuce and pickles, then top with crispy chicken. Serve immediately.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich
- Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk with a touch of lemon juice and spices makes the meat tender and juicy. This step ensures your crispy lemon pepper chicken sandwich is flavorful all the way through, not just on the crust.
- Double-Dredge for Maximum Crunch: Coat the chicken in seasoned flour, dip it back into buttermilk, and dredge it again. This creates the crunchy golden crust that makes every bite of this zesty fried chicken sandwich irresistible.
- Use Freshly Cracked Pepper and Lemon Zest: Pre-ground pepper loses its bite quickly. Freshly cracked black pepper and lemon zest bring out the bold citrusy kick that defines a true lemon pepper chicken sandwich.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F to avoid soggy breading or overcooked chicken. Consistent heat ensures your fried chicken sandwich with lemon pepper comes out crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.
- Balance with Fresh Toppings: Layer crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and tangy pickles to complement the rich fried chicken. The fresh crunch makes the sandwich lighter while enhancing the flavor of the crunchy lemon pepper chicken recipe.
- Toast the Buns with Butter: Lightly toasting the buns adds a golden crispness and prevents them from getting soggy. This simple step elevates your comfort food chicken sandwich to diner-level quality.