There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crisp chicken sandwich — and this homemade version hits all the right notes. Juicy, golden-baked chicken cutlets are tucked into soft buns and slathered with a creamy, zesty garlic mayo that takes this sandwich from good to unforgettable.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving some serious comfort food, this Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo brings fast-food flavor without the deep-frying or drive-thru. It’s crispy, garlicky, tangy, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-baked and crispy – No deep-frying required, yet still crunchy and golden.
Flavor-packed garlic mayo – Creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh garlic.
Perfect for weeknights – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Kid- and crowd-approved – Everyone loves a good chicken sandwich.
Customizable – Top it your way with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or cheese.

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Mayonnaise
Fresh garlic
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Soft buns for assembling
Optional egg wash (for extra coating adhesion)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Prepare your dredging stations: one bowl with flour and garlic powder, another with panko breadcrumbs.
(Optional) Prepare a bowl with beaten eggs for an egg wash to help coating stick better.
Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip in egg wash if using, then press into panko until evenly coated.
Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is baking, make the garlic mayo: in a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Once the chicken is slightly cooled, assemble the sandwiches by placing chicken on buns and spreading a generous amount of garlic mayo on each.
Add your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.) and serve warm.

Variations

Spicy version: Add cayenne to the flour or a dash of hot sauce to the mayo.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Cheesy option: Melt a slice of provolone or cheddar on top during the last few minutes of baking.
Garlic herb mayo: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the garlic mayo for extra flavor.
Make it a wrap: Swap the bun for a tortilla and roll it up with lettuce and tomato.

Heating and Storage

Storage:

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Garlic mayo can be stored separately for 5 days.

Freezing:

The baked chicken can be frozen after cooling. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and often stay even juicier when baked.

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko gives the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For extra crunch, try mixing in crushed cornflakes.

How do I make the chicken even crispier?

Lightly spray or brush the coated chicken with oil before baking to help it brown and crisp up more.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and garlic mayo in advance, then assemble sandwiches just before serving.

Is the garlic mayo spicy?

No, but it is bold and garlicky. Adjust the garlic to your taste if you’re sensitive to strong flavors.

What toppings go best with this sandwich?

Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, or a slice of cheese all work wonderfully.

Can I fry the chicken instead?

Yes! Pan-fry in shallow oil for about 4–5 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

You can sub part or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version of the garlic spread.

Can I toast the buns?

Absolutely. Toasting adds structure and flavor. Just brush them with a little butter and toast lightly in a skillet or oven.

Conclusion

This Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Mayo is a surefire way to bring restaurant-quality flavor into your home kitchen. It’s simple to make, satisfying to eat, and endlessly versatile — the kind of sandwich that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner or craving a homemade comfort food fix, this one’s a keeper.