Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich

I still remember craving something tangy and crunchy during a rainy afternoon so I experimented with a simple chicken breast coated in a lemon pepper crust then I fried it until it turned golden and fragrant. The aroma filled my kitchen and the first bite was a burst of citrus and spice wrapped in crispiness which instantly became a favorite in my home.

Since then I’ve perfected the recipe adding fresh lettuce juicy tomatoes and a creamy sauce to complete the sandwich so now every time I serve it friends ask for seconds. It’s the kind of sandwich that brightens up any meal and makes you feel like you’ve ordered from a fancy café without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breast – The star of the sandwich, juicy and tender.
• Lemon pepper seasoning – Adds the zesty and peppery kick.
• Flour – Helps create a light coating for the chicken.
• Eggs – Act as a binder for the breading.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Give the chicken an extra crispy texture.
• Burger buns – Soft and fluffy to hold all the delicious fillings.
• Lettuce – Fresh and crunchy to balance the richness.
• Tomato slices – Add juiciness and sweetness.
• Mayonnaise or aioli – Creamy sauce to tie all the flavors together.
• Oil – For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Skillet – Essential for frying the chicken to a crispy finish.
• Mixing bowls – To prepare the dredging stations for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Tongs – Make flipping and removing the chicken easier.
• Paper towels – To drain excess oil after frying.
• Knife – For slicing tomatoes and prepping lettuce.

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness because this helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2:

I season the chicken generously with lemon pepper seasoning making sure every side is covered.

Step 3:

Next I set up three bowls one with flour one with beaten eggs and one with panko breadcrumbs. I coat the chicken in flour then dip it into the eggs and finally press it into the breadcrumbs so it’s well coated.

Step 4:

I heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and once hot I add the chicken cooking it until it’s golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Step 5:

After frying I place the chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil while I lightly toast the burger buns for extra flavor.

Step 6:

To assemble I spread mayonnaise or aioli on the buns then layer lettuce tomato slices and the crispy chicken breast. I top it with the other half of the bun and it’s ready to enjoy.

Tips

Sometimes I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken right after frying to enhance the citrus notes. You can also swap mayonnaise with a garlic aioli or spicy sauce if you want a kick. For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying.

Ways to Serve

This crispy lemon pepper chicken sandwich pairs perfectly with sweet potato fries or a simple side salad. It also makes a great lunchbox treat when wrapped properly. For an extra indulgent meal, add a slice of cheese and melt it over the chicken while it’s still hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the crispy lemon pepper chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 20 minutes flipping halfway until crispy and cooked through.

What sauce goes best with a crispy lemon pepper chicken sandwich?

I love using garlic aioli or a tangy lemon mayo but ranch or honey mustard also work great.

Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely, chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy though the cooking time may vary slightly.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this crispy lemon pepper chicken sandwich because it’s crunchy zesty and satisfying every single bite. Let me know how yours turns out because I’d love to hear your twist on it.

Happy Cooking!

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