Ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich

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Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, this ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe is everything you could want in a sandwich. Bite into crispy, golden fried chicken topped with fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, and a rich homemade aioli, all smushed between perfectly toasted thick toast.

This sandwich is the epitome of comfort food and is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

What You Need

For the Fried Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Homemade Aioli

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices of thick toast (Texas toast or sourdough works great)
• 1 cup of shredded lettuce
• 6-8 pickle slices

How to Make Fried Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Bread the Chicken: In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and coat it in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully add the chicken breasts. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Aioli

4. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

5. Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the thick slices of bread until golden and crispy.
6. Build Your Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of homemade aioli on one side of each slice of toast. Layer one slice with shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and a piece of crispy fried chicken. Top with the other slice of toast, aioli side down.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

7. Slice and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half if desired, and serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.

Chicken Sandwich Variations

• Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or the aioli.
• Extra Crunch: Double bread the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
• Customize Your Veggies: Swap out the lettuce for coleslaw or add some sliced tomatoes for extra freshness.

Estimated Cost

Here’s a rough estimate of the cost for this recipe, based on average grocery prices:

• Chicken Breasts: $6.00
• Buttermilk: $1.00
• Flour and Spices: $1.50
• Vegetable Oil: $1.00
• Mayonnaise: $1.50
• Garlic and Lemon Juice: $0.50
• Thick Toast: $2.00
• Lettuce and Pickles: $1.50

Total Estimated Cost: ~$15.00 for 2 crispy chicken sandwiches

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Fried Chicken Sandwich with a side of crispy fries, side salad, or a fresh coleslaw for a complete meal. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea makes the perfect drink!

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