Gluten Free Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This crispy golden Gluten Free Fried Chicken Sandwich is made with juicy chicken thighs, pickle juice, and a gluten-free flour blend, ready in 45 minutes. The hot chicken shatters audibly when you bite in, contrasting nicely with the soft toasted bun. I make this on weekends when a fast-food craving hits hard.

Better Than Takeaway

I spent months trying to replicate that iconic fast-food crunch without using wheat flour. Most gluten-free batters I tried either slid right off the meat in the hot oil or fried up weirdly gummy.

The secret turned out to be adding cornstarch to a standard gluten-free flour blend and letting the dredged chicken rest. This simple adjustment creates a thick, craggy crust that actually stays attached when you take a bite.

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Gluten Free Fried Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup pickle juice
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 gluten-free hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
• Vegetable oil for frying

How To Make Gluten Free Fried Chicken Sandwich

1. Marinate The Chicken: Whisk the buttermilk and pickle juice in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and let them soak in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow baking dish.
3. Dredge The Meat: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Press the chicken firmly into the flour mixture to coat both sides completely.
4. Rest The Coating: Place the coated chicken on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This helps the gluten-free breading stick to the meat during frying.
5. Fry Until Golden: Heat two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350F. Fry the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
6. Assemble The Buns: Toast the gluten-free buns in a dry skillet. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns, add the pickles, and top with the hot fried chicken.

Recipe Tips

• Check oil temperature: Using a thermometer ensures the oil stays around 350F so the crust does not burn before the inside cooks.
• Rest the dredged meat: Giving the coated chicken 10 minutes on a wire rack prevents the gluten-free flour from falling off in the hot oil.
• Use dark meat: Chicken thighs stay much juicier during the high-heat frying process compared to white meat chicken breasts.

What To Serve With Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Pair this sandwich with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or classic homemade potato salad. A sharp, vinegar-based coleslaw also cuts through the rich, fried coating perfectly.

How To Store

Keep leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375F for 5 minutes to restore the crunch. Do not store assembled sandwiches, as the buns will get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts for this recipe. Pound them to an even half-inch thickness so they cook quickly and evenly in the oil.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

You can bake the coated chicken at 400F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. However, the crust will not be nearly as thick or crunchy as frying.

What oil is best for frying?

Peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil work well because they have high smoke points. Avoid using extra virgin olive oil for deep frying.

Why did my breading fall off?

Breading falls off if the oil is too cold or if you skip the resting step. The resting period hydrates the starches so they cling better to the meat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 65g
• Protein: 28g

Try More Recipes:

• Dill Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe