The 20 Minute Fried Chicken Sandwich

A couple of days ago I asked myself if I wanted a crispy fried chicken sandwich that tastes great, but is done in the least amount of time possible, with ingredients I always have in the fridge or pantry, and with simple cleanup, how would I do it? This is how.

INGREDIENTS

Chicken

  • 2 Boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • 113 g (1/2) Milk

  • 5 g salt

  • Splash of white vinegar

Dredge

  • 50 g flour

  • 25 g cornstarch

  • 20 cranks Black pepper

  • Paprika

  • Chile powder

  • Garlic powder

  • Oregano

  • Pinch salt

  • Peanut oil for frying

Sandwich accouterments

  • Brioche bun

  • Sauce - 2 parts mustard, 1 part hot sauce, 2 parts mayo

  • Pickled Onions

  • Shredded lettuce

METHOD

  1. Place chicken thighs into a bowl with the milk, salt, and splash of vinegar. Roughly mix to combine. The milk is what is going to help our flour dredge stick to the chicken.

  2. Meanwhile set a wok over medium heat and add enough peanut oil to fry the chicken sandwiches, probably about 2 inches.

  3. While that's coming to temp, combine the flour, cornstarch, and spices in a bowl. Take the milk chicken and pour a little bit into the dredge and mix it in, this will create nice clumps that get fried and crisp.

  4. Move the chicken to the flour mixture and coat it until completely combined. Press the flour into the chicken so that layer really sticks on there.

  5. At the stove, using a thermometer verify the temp of the oil is 375 degrees F. Slowly drop the chicken thigh into the oil to let it get nice and golden brown. In total fry the chicken for about 8 minutes, flipping once or twice. I like to pull my chicken at 155 F. Then move to a paper towel on a wire rack, dab the excess oil and move to the wire portion so it doesn't get soggy.

    • While the magic of frying goes on you can wash your milk bowl, the excess dredge, and wipe down your work surfaces. Always clean as you go.

  6. To assemble I start with some sauce on the bottom bun, followed by the forever vibrant pickled onions, a little romaine lettuce, the fried chicken, a little bit more sauce and finally the top bun.

    NOTE: Don't waste your peanut oil. Let it completely cool in the wok, then whenever you can come back to it, set a paper towel over a strainer, pour the oil in and let it drip into the container. Place a lid on it and save for next time.

Ethan Chlebowski