There’s something irresistibly joyful about biting into a Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich that’s been lovingly crafted at home. This is not your average fried chicken sandwich; we’re talking about juicy chicken breasts pounded to the perfect thickness, then coated in a flavorful blend of all-purpose flour, garlic, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of dried dill before meeting a super-crunchy panko crust. As a passionate home cook, I love easy recipes that feel elevated—this one only takes about 30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, making it a fantastic beginner-friendly option for lunch or dinner. With around 600 calories per serving, it’s a hearty treat that doesn’t skimp on taste.
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its balance of textures and flavors: a soft, lightly toasted brioche bun cradles crisp-fried chicken, a smear of tangy dill mayo, crunchy lettuce, and bright dill pickle slices. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering or simply craving comfort food, this sandwich hits all the right notes. It’s also versatile—you can sneak in a slice of cheese for extra richness, swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce alternative, or even spice things up with a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it becomes a staple in your weeknight rotation. Let’s dive in!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY DILL CHICKEN SANDWICH
Before we fry up that golden perfection, let’s meet the ingredients that make this sandwich sing. From the crunchy panko crust to the bright dill-infused mayo, each component plays a vital role in crafting layers of flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts
These skinless, boneless cuts provide lean protein and allow for even pounding and frying. Their mild flavor takes on the seasonings beautifully.
- All-purpose flour
Acting as the first layer in our dredging station, it helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for a consistent crust.
- Salt
A fundamental seasoning, salt enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned inside out.
- Black pepper
A hint of pepper adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the delicate dill notes.
- Garlic powder
This pantry staple brings a savory, aromatic punch that complements the crispy crust.
- Onion powder
Offering a gentle sweetness and umami, onion powder rounds out the seasoning in the flour mixture.
- Dried dill
Infused in the flour, dried dill introduces that signature herbal note that defines this sandwich.
- Eggs
Whisked with milk, eggs create a binding layer that locks in moisture and ensures an even coating of breadcrumbs.
- Milk
Combined with eggs, milk makes the wash smooth and silky, helping the breading cling to the chicken.
- Panko breadcrumbs
Light and airy, panko delivers that satisfyingly crunchy exterior that elevates every bite.
- Vegetable oil
Chosen for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, it allows for golden, evenly fried chicken.
- Brioche buns
Soft and slightly sweet, these buns cradle the sandwich components without getting soggy.
- Mayonnaise
Provides a creamy base for the dill mayo sauce, balancing the crispiness with rich, tangy comfort.
- Fresh dill
Chopped and stirred into mayo, fresh dill brightens the sauce with vivid green flavor.
- Lemon juice
A splash of acidity in the mayo cuts through the richness for a refreshing zing.
- Shredded lettuce
Adds a crisp, green layer that contrasts the warm chicken, keeping each bite light.
- Dill pickle slices
Their vinegary crunch ties together the dill theme and gives the sandwich a classic finishing touch.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY DILL CHICKEN SANDWICH
Now that we’ve got our ingredients prepped and ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to transform simple pantry staples into a show-stopping sandwich. Follow along for properly seasoned chicken, a perfectly crisp crust, and a luscious dill mayo that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin pieces. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the pieces to an even thickness, around ½ inch, ensuring they cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. This seasoned flour forms the first layer of your dredge for extra flavor.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until fully combined. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs adhere and maintain moisture during frying.
4. In a separate dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Their light texture is key to that signature crunch.
5. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure an even coating.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to paper towels to drain.
7. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, fresh dill, and lemon juice to create the bright dill mayo sauce.
8. Toast the brioche buns lightly in a dry skillet or toaster until they’re warm and just golden at the edges.
9. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a generous layer of dill mayo on both top and bottom buns. Add a bed of shredded lettuce, top with a crispy chicken piece, and finish with dill pickle slices.
10. Serve the sandwiches warm to enjoy the contrast between the crunchy chicken and the cool, creamy toppings.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY DILL CHICKEN SANDWICH
Once your Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwiches are assembled, you’ll want to present them in a way that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply treating yourself, the right accompaniments and presentation can elevate this sandwich from delicious to unforgettable.
- Serve alongside sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness provides a delightful counterpoint to the savory chicken, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or smoked paprika on the fries adds an extra flavor twist.
- Pair with a crisp coleslaw. A tangy cabbage slaw dressed with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing offers a refreshing crunch that complements the sandwich’s textures.
- Offer mini slider versions for parties. Cut the brioche buns and chicken pieces smaller, and assemble bite-sized delights that guests can enjoy in one or two bites—perfect finger food for entertaining.
- Present with pickle varieties on the side. Add bread-and-butter, spicy, or half-sour pickles alongside the dill slices to let everyone choose their favorite tang.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY DILL CHICKEN SANDWICH
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers for a quick lunch, proper storage ensures your Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich stays fresh, flavorful, and as crisp as possible. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-skillet taste.
- Refrigerate components separately. Store fried chicken, buns, and dill mayo in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and keeps each element at peak texture.
- Use parchment paper. Layer individual chicken pieces or assembled sandwiches between sheets of parchment paper to absorb excess moisture and prevent sticking.
- Freeze for longer storage. Flash-freeze cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results, and assemble fresh with buns and sauce.
- Revive crispiness. To restore the crunchy coating on refrigerated chicken, reheat on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make the breading soggy.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, the Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich is a celebration of contrasts: crunchy panko meets tender chicken, vibrant dill mayo meets sweet brioche, and zesty pickles meet crisp lettuce. Whether you’re looking for an easy beginner-friendly recipe or a showstopper for lunch and dinner, this sandwich delivers big on flavor in under an hour from prep to plate. Remember that you can print this article and save it for later use, so the next time a craving strikes, you have all the steps and tips right at your fingertips. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ below to answer common questions about substitutions, cooking techniques, and more.
I’d love to hear how your Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich adventure goes! If you try the recipe, have tweaks you’d like to share, or run into any hiccups, please leave a comment or question. Your feedback not only helps me improve but also inspires fellow home cooks to experiment with new flavors and techniques. Happy cooking, and here’s to many crunchy, dill-infused bites ahead!
Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich
Description
Juicy chicken coated in a crispy panko crust, paired with fresh dill mayo and crunchy pickles on a soft brioche bun—this sandwich hits all the right notes!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin pieces. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the pieces to an even thickness, around 1/2 inch.
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In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill.
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In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
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In a separate dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
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Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs for an even coating.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, fresh dill, and lemon juice to make the dill mayo sauce.
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Toast the brioche buns lightly.
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Assemble the sandwiches by spreading dill mayo on both sides of the bun, adding a layer of shredded lettuce, then the fried chicken piece, and topping with pickle slices.
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Serve the sandwiches warm for best taste.
Note
- For an extra kick, add a slice of your favorite cheese before topping the sandwich.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to make a lighter, tangier sauce.
- Add some hot sauce to the dill mayo for a spicy variation of the sandwich.
- This sandwich pairs well with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw.
