The Ultimate Summer Tangy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Fried chicken, bacon, spicy jalapenos, and sharp cheddar on a beautifully browned brioche bun, what’s not to love? Read on for how you can create the world’s most perfectly crisp and tangy fried chicken sandwich.
Jump to RecipeIn Search of the Perfect Summer Sandwich?
Look no further! In this recipe, we’ve got the rundown on everything you’ll need to make your family and friends happy. Don’t stress too much either because this recipe isn’t complicated. As much as we love the sandwich itself, it’s even better with a nice whiskey or a craft summer ale (assuming you’re over 21). Both of these have bitter notes that really complement the sandwich. If you won’t be serving alcohol, a tropical juice or mocktail is always good, too.
Now that’s over with, let’s begin.
Tangy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1.5 tbsp pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ketchup to taste
- vegetable or canola oil (Fill pot a third of the way up) for frying
- 4 chicken breasts can use more if you have extra batter.
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 package bacon about 8 pieces.
- 1 jar pickled jalapeños
Instructions
Tangy Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Fill a large pot about a third of the way up with any high-temperature oil you have on hand. (Canola, vegetable, or peanut). Do not use olive oil because it has a lower smoke point and may make the chicken taste bitter.
- Once your oil is in the pot, set the burner to medium-high heat until oil reaches a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While your oil is heating up, get one plate for your chicken and two bowls. In the first bowl, we will be making our batter.
Fried Chicken Batter
- Crack three eggs into the bowl, followed by a cup of buttermilk (or if you don’t have buttermilk, one cup of milk, and add a little lemon juice. One lemon wedge should suffice.) Next, add some hot sauce of your choice.
Fried Chicken Dredge
- In your second bowl pour two cups of flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and any Louisiana-style seasoning you happen to have on hand.
Frying the Chicken
- Next is the messy part. Dip your chicken into the dredge first, then into the batter, and then back into the dredge. This will create a crispier exterior. This will get all over your hands, so just be prepared for that
- At this point, your oil should be up to temperature and our chicken is prepped. Now all that’s left is frying. Put two to three pieces of chicken in the pot at once for about 12 minutes, flipping once. While your chicken is frying, set your oven to 375 degrees.
- After your chicken is done frying, it is important to put the chicken in the oven for about 8-10 minutes in order to make sure it is completely cooked-through.
Bacon
- While your chicken is in the oven, take a pan and start cooking your bacon. Two to three pieces of thick-cut bacon are recommended for each sandwich.
- Once your bacon is cooked, take your chicken out of the oven and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
Buns
- Our final step is arguably the most important, always toast your buns. Toasted buns are essential to the sandwich's rigidity. Pour the bacon grease out of the pan and drop a couple of slices of butter into the pan on medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, lay your buns face down and wait until they are golden brown.
Sauce
- If you feel the buns are toasted to your liking, it’s time to construct your sauce and get ready for assembly of the sandwich. In a small bowl, pour three healthy squirts of sriracha, honey, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Once the ratio of condiments is to your liking, it's time to assemble our sandwich.
The Ultimate Sandwich
- First add your chicken breast, followed by bacon, jalapenos, pickles, fried onions (optional), lettuce, and your choice of cheese. Finally, add a healthy serving of sauce to the top bun and get ready to dig in!
Nutrition
Extra Fried Chicken Sandwich Tips
While this recipe is pretty much perfection, there are a few variations that might make it just as delicious. For a healthier twist, sub out the fried chicken for grilled chicken. You can brine it beforehand to boost the flavor. Or, if you still want the crunch without the fried oils, try using a baked cornflake chicken breast, instead. You can even use baking powder and fry the chicken in the oven if you’d like.
Don’t Forget the Fries!
As much as we love this sandwich, it’s even better with a nice basket of french fries. If you don’t know how to make them, it’s pretty simple: cut up a potato to your desired shape, fill the base of a pan with oil, toss the fries in, and then season with pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning. Wait for all sides to be golden brown and then remove them from the pan. Serve them with ketchup or extra sauce from the sandwich for an extra flavor boost.
What’s your favorite summer sandwich? Talk it over with your friends and family on your favorite family app, or let us know on social #getfamilyapp!
