No reason to wait in line at Popeye’s for a fried chicken sandwich when you can make yours at home. Truly the seasoning are a basic “southern or soul food” seasoning blend. It is made up of paprika, thyme, garlic and onion powders, salt & pepper. To add heat simply add cayenne pepper till you reach your perfect heat!
When I was working in Savannah with Paula Deen I learned many tricks to proper frying.
* Use canola or peanut oil for frying
* Fry chicken at 350 degrees
* Soak chicken in buttermilk or evaporated milk overnight for tender chicken
* Cornstarch added to your “dredge” creates a “crunchy” coating
Please let me know what you think of my Fried Chicken Sandwich!
Basic Fried Chicken Marinade
1 cup buttermilk or evaporated milk
1 teaspoon paprika (not smoked paprika)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
Whisk together the buttermilk and spices in a medium sized bowl. Pour the marinade into a ziplock bag and add chicken. Seal and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 12 hours.
Fried Chicken Sandwich with Cajun Mayo
1 cup flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1 teaspoon salt*
1 teaspoon pepper*
1 teaspoon paprika*
1 teaspoon onion powder*
1 teaspoon garlic powder*
1/2 teaspoon thyme
4 cups canola oil
4 brioche hamburger buns
1 tablespoon butter
Pickle slices
Cajun Mayonnaise
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
Pinch of dried thyme
Stir together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
*** Southern Seasoning Blend- These seasonings are the basis of commonly pre-made soul food seasoning blends. 4X the ingredients and store in an airtight container! Great to use in vegetables, meats and beans.***
Heat the canola oil to 350 degrees in a heavy skillet or stockpot. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Mix together. Dip the marinated chicken into the flour seasoning until completely covered. Use tongs to lower the chicken into the hot oil. Cook till the coating is golden brown. Remove from the oil and allow the chicken to drain on a cooling rack. To make the sandwich: Toast the buns in the bottom of a buttered pan till browned lightly. Add a smear of the mayonnaise to the top of the bun and place pickles on the bottom bun. Set warm fried chicken breast on top and ENJOY!