There are chicken sandwiches, and then there’s this chicken sandwich. Forget everything you thought you knew about comfort food, because today we’re assembling a masterpiece: the Bacon Loaded Cheesy Fried Chicken Sandwich. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. We’re talking crispy, juicy fried chicken, blanketed in melted cheddar, piled high with smoky bacon, and slathered with a tangy BBQ mayo, all nestled in a toasted bun with fresh fixings. Get ready for a serious upgrade to your sandwich game!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a firm believer that some dishes are just meant to be over-the-top, and this Bacon Loaded Cheesy Fried Chicken Sandwich is the perfect example. What makes me absolutely adore this recipe is the incredible combination of textures and flavors. You’ve got the satisfying crunch of the perfectly fried chicken, the salty crispness of the bacon, the gooey richness of the melted cheese, and the slight tang from the barbecue mayo. It’s a symphony for your taste buds! Plus, while it feels indulgent, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make at home, giving you complete control over the quality of every single ingredient. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s pure happiness between two buns.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to construct this epic sandwich:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Lettuce for topping (butter lettuce or romaine)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat; adjust frying time accordingly. For a thicker chicken breast, you might want to pound it slightly to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
• Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of onion powder or a bit more cayenne can add extra kick.
• Breadcrumbs: While regular breadcrumbs work, Panko breadcrumbs will give you a notably crispier crust.
• Cheese: Cheddar is fantastic, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious alternatives.
• Bacon: Make sure your bacon is nice and crispy for that textural contrast.
• Sauce: Experiment with different sauces! A spicy aioli, ranch, or a honey mustard sauce could also be great. You could also skip the mixed sauce and just use straight mayonnaise or barbecue sauce.
• Buns: Brioche buns are fantastic for a richer, slightly sweeter touch, but any good quality hamburger bun will do.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare for Frying: Begin by pouring enough oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like a cast iron pan) to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accuracy.
2. Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to mix thoroughly. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken: Take one chicken breast at a time. First, dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, thoroughly coat the chicken breast with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or wire rack and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet (cook in batches if necessary). Fry for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Drain and Top with Cheese: Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Immediately top each hot chicken breast with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Melt the Cheese: If your cheese isn’t melting quickly from the residual heat, place the cheesy chicken breasts under a broiler for just a few minutes (keep a close eye on them!) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cook Bacon and Prepare Sauce: While the chicken is frying (or beforehand), cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and barbecue sauce until well combined.
8. Toast Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until they are golden brown. This adds great texture and prevents the bun from getting soggy.
9. Assemble the Sandwich: To build your epic sandwich, spread a generous layer of the barbecue mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy fried chicken breast on top. Add two slices of crispy bacon, followed by slices of fresh tomato and a few leaves of lettuce. Crown it with the top bun.
10. Serve: Serve your Bacon Loaded Cheesy Fried Chicken Sandwiches hot and prepare for a truly satisfying meal!

Tips for Success

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer is crucial for perfectly fried chicken. Too low, and it will be greasy; too high, and it will burn before cooking through.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before breading, pat your chicken breasts completely dry. This helps the breading stick better.
• Rest the Chicken: After breading, letting the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes can help the breading adhere better during frying.
• Toast Your Buns: This simple step makes a huge difference in the overall sandwich experience.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Bacon Loaded Cheesy Fried Chicken Sandwich is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with classic American sides. Think a side of crispy French fries, a creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For drinks, a cold beer, a crisp lemonade, or even a sweet iced tea would be perfect.

Looking for other delicious chicken recipes or cheesy delights? Check out these options:

• For a super easy and cheesy chicken dish, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you love cheesy goodness, you’ll also enjoy this Crockpot Nacho Dip.
• For a different kind of chicken creation, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these sandwiches are definitely best enjoyed fresh, if you have any leftover fried chicken, you can store it separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and heated through. This will help maintain its texture. Reassemble with fresh buns and toppings when ready to eat.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved this indulgent sandwich, you’ll find plenty more to savor on Chef Maniac:

• Another fantastic chicken dish to try is my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (No Mayo!) – a refreshing contrast!
• And for an easy way to feed a crowd, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a hit.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Loaded Cheesy Fried Chicken Sandwich is designed to satisfy those serious comfort food cravings. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s for a casual dinner, a game day feast, or just because you deserve an amazing sandwich, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed!

What’s your go-to fried chicken sandwich topping? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more delicious recipes!