Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy Chicken Thighs:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or ½ cup yogurt + ½ cup water as a substitute)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Assembly:
- 2 brioche or sesame seed buns
- 2 slices cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- ½ cup lettuce or baby spinach
- 4 slices tomato
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk (or yogurt mixture) with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Add chicken thighs, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
-
Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and baking powder.
- Remove chicken from marinade and coat in the flour mixture. Press firmly for a thick, crispy coating.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
-
Toast the Buns:
- Lightly butter the buns and toast them in a pan until golden brown.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, hot sauce, and lemon juice.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread sauce on the toasted buns.
- Add lettuce, crispy chicken, cheese, tomato slices, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle extra sauce on top and cover with the top bun.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or pickles on the side!
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: ~600 kcal per sandwich