Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Slaw and Spicy Mayo

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of classic fried chicken sandwiches that are expertly topped with a tangy slaw and zesty spicy mayo. This recipe is perfect for a weekend gathering or a casual dinner that will delight your family and friends. With a crispy exterior paired with crunchy slaw, it’s a mouthwatering combination that’s not to be missed.

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Slaw

• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spicy Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly

• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• Dill pickles, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce. Allow them to soak for at least one hour, or, for the best results, cover and refrigerate overnight. This will not only infuse flavor but also make the chicken incredibly tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss until well-coated. Set aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Create the Spice Coating

In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give your chicken a deeply flavorful and crispy crust.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, enough for frying (about ½ inch deep). Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing it into the coating to ensure adherence.

Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through—about 7-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After frying, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spiciness. This creamy, spicy condiment brings an addictive kick to your sandwiches.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

To assemble, spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on top, followed by a heaping scoop of the slaw. Finish it off with dill pickles if desired and top with the other half of the bun.

Cooking Tips

• For optimum flavor, you can add additional spices if desired. Try cayenne pepper for more heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. Add a pinch of flour to the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to start frying.
• If you want a lighter version, try baking the chicken instead. Coat the pieces in flour and place them on a baking sheet with a bit of olive oil, then bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour.

Pair these sandwiches with crispy fries or a side of sweet potato wedges for a perfect meal. The crunchy slaw balances the richness of the fried chicken, and the spicy mayo elevates each bite.

Expand Your Culinary Skills

Once you’ve mastered this fried chicken sandwich recipe, consider exploring other variations. You could add avocado, cheese, or even experiment with different types of bread. Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating pickled jalapeños into your slaw for an extra pop of flavor!

Encourage your friends and family to dive into their own kitchen adventures and share their creations. The joy of cooking is always best when enjoyed with others!