Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender buttermilk-brined fried chicken paired with tangy pickled slaw on a soft brioche bun for a satisfying sandwich. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 290 minutes pairs large boneless chicken breasts, buttermilk, hot sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 270 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk and 1 tbsp hot sauce. Submerge 2 boneless chicken breasts in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: Combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Step 3: Heat about 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat fully.
  4. Step 4: Fry chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: For slaw, mix 1 cup shredded green cabbage, 1 medium shredded carrot, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Toast 2 brioche buns lightly and spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on each bottom bun half. Place fried chicken breast on the buns and top evenly with the pickled slaw. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 290 minutes (270 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep buttermilk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Slaw?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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