Copycat Fried Chicken Sandwich
Description
This crispy fried chicken sandwich is Chef John's hybrid version of Popeyes® and Chick-fil-A®'s feud-inducing favorites.
Ingredients
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
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1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
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4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
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1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
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1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
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1 large egg, beaten
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1/4 cup milk
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canola oil for frying
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4 soft hamburger buns, toasted and buttered
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6 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
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12 dill pickle slices, or to taste
Directions
1
Whisk buttermilk, salt, hot sauce, and ranch dressing mix together in a large bowl. Cut diagonal slits into the thick ends of chicken breasts and toss into marinade until well coated. Transfer to the refrigerator to marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
2
Meanwhile, make the breading: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, cayenne, and ranch dressing mix together in a shallow dish.
3
Make the wash: Whisk egg, buttermilk, and milk together in another bowl until combined.
4
Use a fork to pull chicken from marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dip into the breading to coat both sides; shake off any excess. Dip into egg wash mixture to saturate surface; return to breading to coat, shake off excess, and repeat once more. Let sit on a wire rack to dry, at least 15 minutes.
5
Heat oil in a deep-fryer to between 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
6
Fry chicken breasts in the hot oil until golden, crispy, and no longer pink in the centers, 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a plate topped with crinkled up aluminum foil to prevent bottoms from getting soggy.
7
Spread mayonnaise over hamburger bun halves. Stuff with pickles and chicken.