If you’re looking for a sandwich that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy all in one bite, the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy fried chicken coated in a flavorful, slightly spicy crust, crowned with a cool and zesty buffalo ranch coleslaw that adds crunch and a burst of freshness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes classic comfort food to the next level with every satisfying mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that pack big flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the perfectly seasoned crispy chicken to the vibrant slaw that brings just the right amount of heat and creaminess.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they form the juicy and tender centerpiece of the sandwich.
- Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and moisten the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a crispy, golden crust when fried.
- Paprika and garlic powder: Provide smoky, savory depth to the chicken coating.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for achieving that perfect golden fry.
- Sandwich buns: Soft and slightly toasted, they hold everything together beautifully.
- Shredded cabbage and carrots: Deliver crisp texture and vibrant color to the coleslaw.
- Ranch dressing and buffalo sauce: Combine to create the signature creamy, spicy buffalo ranch flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar and honey: Balance acidity and sweetness to elevate the slaw.
- Sliced pickles, lettuce, and tomato: Optional toppings that add an extra layer of freshness and zing.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking those chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This simple step works wonders by tenderizing the meat and adding a subtle tang that perfectly complements the bold flavors to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. This spice blend is what will give your chicken that irresistible crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium heat until it’s ready for frying. Proper oil temperature is crucial to ensure a crunchy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Take your buttermilk-soaked chicken and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Fry each breast for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let them rest briefly on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw
In a bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This coleslaw is the vibrant, creamy, spicy layer that elevates the sandwich to its signature status.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast your sandwich buns until golden and slightly crisp. This step adds texture and helps prevent sogginess once you pile on the slaw and chicken.
Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich
Now comes the fun part: place the crispy chicken breast on the bottom bun, heap on a generous amount of buffalo ranch coleslaw, and add any optional toppings like pickles, lettuce, or tomato slices for extra freshness and crunch.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve your sandwiches right away to enjoy the contrast of hot crispy chicken and cool, creamy slaw in every bite. Get ready for endless compliments!
How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp pickle slices, leafy lettuce, or juicy tomato slices add beautiful color and contrasting flavors that brighten each bite of the sandwich. A sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions on the coleslaw can also add a subtle pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides such as crispy french fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a simple side salad to round out the meal. For a heartier option, try pairing with creamy mac and cheese or baked beans for a complete crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe at a gathering, consider assembling sliders for a fun party platter. Another great idea is to serve the coleslaw on the side so guests can customize their sandwich pile high or keep it light and simple. Wrapping the sandwich in parchment paper adds rustic charm and keeps things tidy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the chicken while keeping the slaw fresh and crunchy. The buns are best stored at room temperature in a sealed bag.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. Avoid freezing the coleslaw as the dressing and veggies don’t hold up well after thawing. When ready, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, bake in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy. Reintroduce the chilled buffalo ranch coleslaw freshly scooped onto the sandwich after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make the buffalo ranch coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The coleslaw actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
What kind of chicken breast is best for this recipe?
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for an easy-to-bite sandwich experience. Pounding them slightly for even thickness helps with even cooking.
How spicy is the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate depending on how much buffalo sauce you add to the slaw, so you can easily adjust to your preference.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can! Baking is a healthier alternative. Just dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
What’s the best way to keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast your buns well and always assemble the sandwich right before serving. Keeping the coleslaw separate until the last moment can also help maintain that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sandwich that bursts with flavor, texture, and just the right kick, you truly cannot go wrong with this Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s a delightful dance between crispy chicken and tangy, creamy slaw that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. So grab these ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Print
Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and crispy Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich featuring tender fried chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated with a seasoned flour blend, and topped with a spicy buffalo ranch coleslaw. This sandwich balances heat and creaminess for a delicious twist on a classic chicken sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 sandwich buns
For the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (more if desired)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced pickles
- Lettuce or tomato slices
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure each piece is well coated and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a separate dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth sufficient for frying and heat over medium heat until shimmering and ready for frying.
- Fry the chicken: Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, coating well on all sides. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the buffalo ranch coleslaw: In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns until they are golden and slightly crisp, enhancing the flavor and texture of the sandwich.
- Assemble the sandwich: On each bottom bun, place a piece of crispy fried chicken. Top generously with the buffalo ranch coleslaw and add any optional toppings like sliced pickles, lettuce, or tomato slices.
- Serve immediately: Place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of hot crispy chicken and cool, creamy coleslaw.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) can enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity in the coleslaw to your heat preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.
- For a lighter option, bake the chicken breasts instead of frying.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
