Hey y’all! I’ve been obsessing over chicken sandwiches lately (who isn’t?), and there’s something special about that Southern style that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you’re grabbing one from your favorite fast food joint or making it at home, there’s just something magical about biting into that perfectly crispy chicken with those tangy pickles on a soft bun. So I thought I’d break down exactly what makes a Southern style chicken sandwich so darn good!
The Essence of Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches
A Southern style chicken sandwich isn’t just any old chicken sandwich It’s a beautiful combo of crispy fried chicken, tangy pickles, and a soft bun that creates this perfect harmony of flavors and textures What makes it “Southern style” is specifically
- Buttermilk-marinated chicken that’s tender and juicy
- Seasoned flour coating with that signature Southern spice blend
- Crispy fried exterior that seals in all the flavor
- Soft, pillowy bun (often slightly toasted)
- Dill pickle chips for that tangy contrast
- Simple toppings – sometimes just pickles, sometimes with lettuce and creamy sauce
The beauty of a Southern style chicken sandwich is in its simplicity. Unlike other chicken sandwiches that might pile on tons of toppings, the Southern style lets the perfectly fried chicken be the star of the show.
The Fascinating History Behind This American Classic
While fried chicken has been a Southern staple for generations, the Southern style chicken sandwich as we know it today really came into its own in the early 20th century These sandwiches were common fare in diners, roadside stands, and home kitchens throughout the South before making their way to national prominence
Chick-fil-A is often credited with popularizing the Southern style chicken sandwich nationwide, with their simple recipe of fried chicken breast, pickles, and a buttered bun. Their version was so iconic it was even inducted into the Chicken Sandwich Hall of Fame in 2021! (Yes, that’s actually a thing!)
Over the decades, the basic formula has evolved with creative twists – different breads, sauces, and toppings – but the core elements remain unchanged: perfectly fried chicken, pickles, and a soft bun.
What Makes It Truly “Southern Style”?
Let’s break down the key ingredients that make a chicken sandwich authentically Southern:
The Chicken
The foundation of any good Southern style chicken sandwich is, of course, the chicken itself. Typically, it’s:
- Boneless chicken breast pounded to even thickness
- Marinated in buttermilk for at least a few hours (sometimes overnight)
- Seasoned with a blend of spices (often including salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sometimes a hint of cayenne for heat)
The buttermilk marinade is crucial – it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with tanginess that balances the richness of the fried coating.
The Breading
A proper Southern style chicken sandwich has that distinctive crispy exterior that comes from:
- Dredging in seasoned flour after the buttermilk marinade
- Double-dipping (flour, buttermilk, flour again) for extra crispiness
- Perfectly fried to achieve that golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy
The Bun
The choice of bun might seem simple, but it’s crucial to the overall experience:
- Soft, slightly sweet buns (brioche or potato rolls work beautifully)
- Lightly toasted with a bit of butter for flavor and structure
- Sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy chicken without falling apart
The Toppings
This is where the beautiful simplicity of Southern style shines:
- Dill pickle chips – the tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the fried chicken
- Mayonnaise or spiced mayo (sometimes, but not always)
- Sometimes shredded lettuce for freshness and texture
What’s notably missing? Cheese, tomatoes, onions, and other common sandwich toppings. A true Southern style chicken sandwich doesn’t need them!
How To Make Your Own Southern Style Chicken Sandwich At Home
Wanna try making this classic at home? I’ve made these countless times, and here’s my foolproof approach:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional but recommended!)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 soft brioche or potato buns
- Butter for toasting buns
- Dill pickle chips
- Mayonnaise (optional)
- Lettuce (optional)
The Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch)
- Marinate: Mix buttermilk with hot sauce, submerge chicken, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is better!)
- Make the coating: Combine flour with all seasonings in a shallow dish
- Set up your stations: Keep the marinade in one bowl, seasoned flour in another
- Bread the chicken: Remove from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, dip back in buttermilk, and coat with flour again
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil to 350°F
- Fry the chicken: Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F
- Prep the buns: While chicken cooks, lightly butter and toast the buns
- Assemble: Spread mayo (if using) on buns, add chicken, top with pickles and lettuce if desired
The key to success is letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after frying before assembling your sandwich. This helps the juices redistribute and prevents your bun from getting soggy.
Fast Food Chains and Their Southern Style Variations
Every major chain has their own take on the Southern style chicken sandwich. Here’s how they compare:
Chick-fil-A
The OG of Southern style chicken sandwiches features a juicy, marinated chicken breast with dill pickles on a toasted, buttered bun. Their signature Chick-fil-A sauce is a popular addition.
Popeyes
Their version includes spicy Cajun seasoning in the breading, served on a brioche bun with barrel-cured pickles and mayo. When they launched this sandwich in 2019, it literally caused a national frenzy!
KFC
KFC’s take features an extra crispy chicken filet with thicker pickle chips and mayo on a toasted bun. They offer both spicy and non-spicy variations.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s had the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich from 2005 to 2015, featuring a crispy chicken filet with pickles on a steamed bun. They brought it back in 2019 as the “Crispy McChicken Sandwich” and now offer it as part of their McCrispy line on a potato roll.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s uses a panko breading for extra crunch, topped with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun.
The Ultimate Sauce: Corn Slaw Sauce
One interesting twist I’ve seen (and absolutely LOVE) is adding a corn slaw sauce to Southern style chicken sandwiches. Here’s how to make it:
- Sauté fresh or frozen corn kernels until slightly caramelized
- Pulse them briefly in a food processor
- Add buttermilk, Ranch dressing, salt, and pepper
- Pulse until just mixed
- Combine some of the sauce with chopped cabbage for a slaw topping
This corn slaw adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the savory fried chicken and tangy pickles. It’s not traditional, but it’s DELICIOUS!
Why Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches Have Become an American Icon
There’s a reason these sandwiches have captured our hearts (and stomachs):
- They’re the ultimate comfort food – crispy, juicy, and satisfying
- They’re accessible and affordable – available everywhere from fast food chains to fancy restaurants
- They inspire fierce loyalty – people will literally argue about which chain makes the best one
- They embody Southern hospitality – simple, delicious food that makes you feel welcome
- They’re endlessly customizable – while maintaining their essential character
The chicken sandwich wars of recent years prove just how passionate Americans are about their Southern style chicken sandwiches. When Popeyes launched their version in 2019, lines wrapped around blocks, sandwiches sold out nationwide, and social media exploded with debates about which chain’s version reigned supreme.
What to Serve with Your Southern Style Chicken Sandwich
A good Southern style chicken sandwich deserves equally good sides! Here are some perfect pairings:
- Coleslaw – the creamy, tangy flavor complements the sandwich perfectly
- French fries – the classic choice for a reason
- Potato salad – another Southern staple
- Mac and cheese – because more comfort food is always a good idea
- Fried okra – for a truly Southern meal
- Sweet tea – the perfect beverage companion
Final Thoughts: What Makes Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches So Special
I think what makes Southern style chicken sandwiches so beloved is their perfect balance – crispy exterior with juicy interior, rich fried flavor with tangy pickles, and soft bun with crunchy chicken. It’s simple food done extraordinarily well.
Whether you’re hitting the drive-thru or making one from scratch at home, there’s something magical about that first bite through the crispy coating into the juicy chicken, with the slight tang of pickles and the softness of the bun.
So next time you’re enjoying a Southern style chicken sandwich, take a moment to appreciate just how much flavor, history, and culinary craft is packed between those buns. It’s not just fast food – it’s an American culinary icon!
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this writing has made me hungry. I think I know what I’m having for lunch today!
Tips for this Fried Chicken Sandwich
The secret to getting this sandwich just right is, of course, the chicken! Some people have a tough time getting that golden crispy fried chicken but it’s really easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, or preferably overnight.
- Use a good flour coating with breadcrumbs. I like to use Panko breadcrumbs for this recipe but any kind will do.
- Add spices in with the breadcrumb and flour mixture. This gives you great opportunity to add tons of flavor to the chicken.
- Roll the marinated chicken in the breadcrumbs, letting it sit on each side for a few seconds so it really sticks to the chicken.
- Make sure your oil is really hot before placing the chicken in the pan. Cook just one or two pieces at a time so the oil doesn’t get too cool.
- Once the chicken is golden brown on each side and cooked through, remove from the oil and let it cool on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Crunchy Corn Slaw Sauce
The topper to this Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich is the crispy, crunchy corn slaw. It is so yummy and really easy to put together! You can eat it on the side, but I like adding it right to the top of the fried chicken. It adds a cool, creamy flavor and the corn goes so well with the chicken. Here’s what to do:
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernals.
- Sautee them in a pan on the stove until they’re slightly caramalized and then give them a quick pulse in the food processor.
- Add some buttermilk, Ranch dressing and salt and pepper and pulse until just mixed in the food processor.
- Mix some of the sauce with some chopped cabbage and add to the top of the chicken.
- You can use more sauce as a spread on the top or bottom of the sandwich.
The Crispiest Chicken Sandwich you’ve EVER had!
FAQ
What is a southern style chicken sandwich at McDonald’s?
The McCrispy is a McDonald’s southern-style fried chicken sandwich that’s crispy, juicy and tender perfection. It’s topped with crinkle-cut pickles and served on a toasted, buttered potato roll. If you’re thinking, “McCrispy vs. McChicken®?” you can’t go wrong either way. *At participating McDonald’s.
What is the meaning of southern style chicken?
Definition of ‘Southern-fried’
1. (of meats, esp chicken) dipped in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs and deep-fried. 2. Also: country-fried. (of music) combined with or influenced by elements of country-and-western music.
What happened to the Southern Style chicken sandwich?
Southern Style Chicken Sandwich is a McDonald’s chicken sandwich served on a hamburger bun with a southern fried chicken filet, and pickles that was introduced in 2005 and discontinued in 2015.
What is southern style chicken vs. fried chicken?
Southern fried chicken is a specific style of fried chicken distinguished by its buttermilk marinade, flavorful flour-and-spice dredge, and traditional cast-iron skillet preparation, whereas “fried chicken” is a broader term encompassing various methods of cooking chicken in oil. Key differences include the use of buttermilk and a bold, complex spice blend in Southern versions, contrasted with the potentially milder, salt-brine base and simpler seasoning found in some other fried chicken styles.