Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli
This Cajun crispy chicken sandwich features juicy seasoned chicken, a golden crunchy coating, toasted buns, crisp lettuce, pickles, and creamy homemade garlic aioli.
Equipment
- Meat mallet
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow frying skillet
- Wire rack
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts Sliced into 4 even cutlets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Divided between chicken coating and aioli
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt Plus more to taste
- vegetable oil For shallow frying
- 4 brioche or potato buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 8 pickle slices
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise For the garlic aioli
- 1 clove garlic Finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice For the garlic aioli
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between sheets of baking paper and gently pound them into four even cutlets.
- Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Combine the flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the marinade, coat it in the flour mixture, dip it again, and press it into the flour a second time.
- Rest the breaded chicken on a wire rack for 5 minutes while heating about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden and the thickest part reaches 74°C. Drain on a wire rack.
- Mix the mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt to make the aioli.
- Toast the buns, spread them with garlic aioli, and layer with lettuce, crispy chicken, and pickles. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep the chicken pieces even in thickness so they cook at the same rate.
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack to protect the crispy coating.
- Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.