Crispy Fried Chicken Pita Sandwiches with Cheese Sauce & Pickles
Golden, crunchy fried chicken tucked into warm pita bread with rich cheese sauce, tangy pickles, fresh lettuce, and creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate comfort sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced thin
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sandwich
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Dill pickle slices
- Fresh parsley or cilantro optional
Cheese Sauce
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tbsp butter
Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic finely grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken slices in buttermilk with salt and pepper. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes for extra tenderness.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter with cream over low heat. Add cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Make the garlic sauce: Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Warm pita bread slightly. Fill with crispy chicken, drizzle with cheese sauce, add pickles and lettuce, then finish with garlic sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Extra juicy option: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Spicy kick: Add hot sauce to the marinade or drizzle spicy sauce over the finished sandwich.
- Lighter version: Air-fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Bread swap: Try wraps, flatbreads, or sandwich rolls if you don’t have pita.
Storage
- Chicken: Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
- Sauces: Cheese and garlic sauces keep refrigerated for 3–4 days in airtight containers.