Description

This Cajun Chicken Sandwich is not your average meal. It is special because it combines the heat of Louisiana spices with a cool, creamy garlic aioli. We use a double-dredge method to make sure the crust is extra thick and stays crunchy even after you add the sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Chicken:
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (vinegar-based)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Breading:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Garlic Aioli:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, minced very fine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
For Assembly:
4 brioche buns
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded lettuce
8 slices of pickles
4 slices of pepper jack cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally (butterfly). Pound to 1/2 inch thickness.
The Buttermilk Soak: Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Garlic Aioli: Mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and parsley. Refrigerate until assembly.
The Flour Coating: Whisk flour, cornstarch, and spices in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour, dip back into buttermilk, and dredge again for a thick crust.
Frying the Chicken: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown (internal temp 165°F). Rest on a wire rack.
Assembly: Butter and toast buns. Spread aioli on both sides. Layer lettuce, chicken, cheese (optional), and pickles. Serve immediately.

Notes

Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating stick. Resist using the microwave for leftovers; reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F to keep it crunchy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop Frying
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 580
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1150mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 95mg