Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Golden, crunchy, and impossibly juicy, the Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich is the kind of sandwich that demands your full attention. Imagine a crispy fried chicken breast, brined in tangy Dijon mustard and creamy mayo for unbeatable tenderness, tucked inside a toasted bun with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and just the right amount of sauce. It’s a symphony of crunch, flavor, and indulgence—trust me, this sandwich is pure bliss in every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from my obsession with the perfect fried chicken sandwich. I’d had versions that were juicy but bland, and others that were flavorful but dry. The breakthrough came when I discovered the magic of mayo and mustard as a brine. The mayo tenderizes the chicken, while Dijon infuses tangy depth. After that, all it needed was a golden crust and a pillowy bun to transform it into sandwich perfection.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While fried chicken sandwiches have Southern roots, this particular brining method is a modern twist. Mayo has long been used by chefs as a secret marinade because of its ability to lock in moisture. Dijon mustard, with its sharp yet smooth bite, adds both flavor and tenderizing power. Together, they create a sandwich that feels like a fusion of tradition and innovation.

Why You’ll Love Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Extra Juicy: The mayo-mustard brine ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.

Flavor-Packed: Dijon mustard infuses the meat with tangy richness.

Crispy Crunch: The breading fries up golden and shatteringly crisp.

Restaurant-Worthy: Feels like your favorite fast-food upgrade at home.

Customizable: Change up toppings, buns, or sauces to your liking.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Brine the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for game day, backyard dinners, or weekend cravings.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Don’t skip the brining—it’s the key to juiciness.
• Double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour for extra crunch.
• Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack to stay crisp.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For brine, dredging, and coating.
Meat Mallet: To pound chicken evenly.
Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying chicken to golden perfection.
Tongs: For safe flipping and lifting.
Wire Rack: Keeps chicken crisp after frying.

Ingredients in Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Here’s what you’ll need for the juiciest, crunchiest chicken sandwich ever:

1. Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness.
2. Mayonnaise: ½ cup, creamy base for brine.
3. Dijon Mustard: 3 tablespoons, tangy, flavorful brine ingredient.
4. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, adds depth.
5. Paprika: 1 teaspoon, smoky note for balance.
6. Buttermilk: 1 cup, for dredging before frying.
7. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, creates crunchy coating.
8. Cornstarch: ½ cup, ensures crispiness.
9. Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
10. Oil: For frying (canola or peanut oil recommended).
11. Brioche Buns: 4, toasted, buttery base.
12. Pickles: Sliced, tangy crunch.
13. Lettuce: Crisp leaves, fresh bite.
14. Sauce: Extra Dijon mayo or your favorite creamy dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Swap with chicken thighs for more flavor.
Buttermilk: Use milk with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
Brioche Buns: Use potato rolls or sesame seed buns.
Dijon Mustard: Replace with spicy brown or whole-grain mustard.

Ingredient Spotlight

Dijon Mustard: Originating from Dijon, France, this mustard is smoother and more refined than yellow mustard, adding tang and complexity to the brine.

Mayonnaise: Beyond creaminess, mayo helps tenderize the chicken, locking in moisture and ensuring it stays juicy even after frying.

Instructions for Making Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Making this sandwich is a rewarding process that pays off with every bite. Here’s how:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Set up dredging station with one bowl of buttermilk and another of flour mixed with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Dish: Dip brined chicken in buttermilk, then dredge in flour mixture. Repeat for double coating.
5. Cook to Perfection: Fry chicken in hot oil for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to wire rack.
6. Finishing Touches: Toast brioche buns lightly. Spread sauce on buns, layer lettuce and pickles, then place crispy chicken on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Close with the top bun and dig in while hot and crunchy.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The mayo brine makes the chicken juicy and flavorful from the inside out, while the cornstarch-flour coating ensures a crunchy exterior. The brioche bun adds a buttery contrast, and the pickles cut through with acidity for balance.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Brine overnight for the deepest flavor.
• Keep oil at the right temperature—too low and chicken will be greasy, too high and it burns.
• Add a dash of cayenne to the flour for extra heat.

What to Avoid

• Skipping the brine—this is what sets the sandwich apart.
• Overcrowding the skillet, which drops oil temperature.
• Using soggy buns—always toast for structure.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 620

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour brining)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus brining)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Brine chicken the night before for easy assembly. Fried chicken is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to crisp up. Brined but uncooked chicken can be stored in the fridge up to 24 hours.

How to Serve Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Serve with French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh side salad. For a fun twist, add spicy mayo, cheese slices, or caramelized onions to build your own ultimate version.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Slice leftover chicken for wraps or salads.
• Make chicken tenders by brining and frying smaller pieces.
• Use leftover buns and chicken to create mini sliders.

Additional Tips

Use a thermometer for oil to avoid soggy chicken. For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs into the flour dredge. Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the sauce for brightness.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve sandwiches wrapped in parchment with a side of crispy fries in a metal basket for a diner-style vibe. Garnish with extra pickles and fresh herbs to elevate presentation.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the brine.
• Southern Style: Swap Dijon for hot sauce and serve with coleslaw.
• Deluxe Version: Add cheese slices and crispy bacon.
• Garlic Parmesan: Toss fried chicken in garlic butter and Parmesan before sandwiching.

FAQ’s

1. Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, they’re juicier and add more flavor.

3. How long should I brine?

At least 1 hour, but overnight is best.

4. What oil is best for frying?

Canola or peanut oil work best for high-heat frying.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and buns.

6. How do I reheat fried chicken?

Use the oven at 375°F (190°C) to keep it crispy.

7. Can I freeze brined chicken?

Yes, freeze after brining but before dredging. Thaw fully before frying.

8. What’s the best bun to use?

Brioche is classic, but potato buns also work beautifully.

9. Can I meal-prep this?

Yes, brine and dredge chicken ahead, then fry when ready to serve.

10. How do I make it spicier?

Add hot sauce to the mayo brine or cayenne to the flour mix.

Conclusion

The Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate combination of juicy, tangy, and crunchy. With its golden crust, flavorful brine, and fresh toppings, it’s a sandwich that takes fried chicken to the next level. Whether for game day, family dinner, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite.

Watch How To Make Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich