Introduction

If you’re craving a spicy, crispy chicken sandwich with a cool, tangy twist, this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Ranch Slaw is the perfect choice. It’s packed with bold flavors, crunchy textures, and easy to make at home.

Two fried chicken sandwiches sit side by side on parchment paper over a wooden board, each sandwich layered with a golden-brown crispy fried chicken fillet, topped with a colorful mix of shredded green and purple cabbage slaw, and finished with a glossy, soft light brown bun on top and bottom. A small silver cup filled with white sauce stands in the background along with a few crispy orange fries peeking from behind the sandwiches, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo captures the texture of the crunchy chicken and fresh slaw with soft lighting, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup buffalo sauce
Vegetable oil for frying
2 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
½ cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Sliced tomatoes (optional)
Extra buffalo sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the buttermilk until well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying.
Step 5: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Step 6: While the chicken cooks, mix shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk ranch dressing and apple cider vinegar together. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Once chicken is cooked, remove it from oil and drain on paper towels. Drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly.
Step 8: Optionally, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven until golden.
Step 9: To assemble, place a piece of buffalo chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add a generous scoop of ranch slaw on top, then add lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and extra buffalo sauce if you like.
Step 10: Cover with the top bun and serve immediately while crispy and flavorful.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, mix cayenne pepper into the flour coating or add hot sauce to the slaw dressing.
Try using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Make a healthier version by baking the coated chicken at 425°F until crispy, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Assemble sandwiches fresh to avoid soggy buns.

How to Serve

A close-up of a crispy fried chicken sandwich with three main layers on a white soft bun, placed on white parchment paper in a metal tray. The bottom layer has green shredded lettuce with a spread of white creamy sauce, topped by two pieces of golden-brown crunchy fried chicken coated in an orange spicy sauce. Above the chicken is a thick layer of white herb ranch sauce with bits of green parsley, topped with fresh light green lettuce, all covered by a soft golden shiny top bun. The background shows more similar sandwiches on the white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for even cooking and better texture, but if using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this sandwich?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with crispy fried cauliflower or a plant-based chicken alternative and toss it in buffalo sauce for a similar spicy crunch.