Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that'll make your mouth water and your soul sing! This Southern-inspired fried chicken sandwich isn't just a meal—it's a crispy, creamy, flavor-packed experience that transforms an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary journey. Imagine golden, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled between toasted buns, crowned with a zesty homemade mustard cole slaw that'll have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate and tenderize.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the homemade mustard cole slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat and add enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces, about 1 inch deep. Allow the oil to heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- While the oil is heating, remove each chicken breast from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous portion of the mustard cole slaw. Place the top half of the bun over the slaw.
- Serve the Southern-inspired fried chicken sandwiches immediately, with any remaining cole slaw on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk soak! The longer the chicken marinates (up to 8 hours), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your oil stays consistently at 350°F. This guarantees a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to remove extra grease and keep the coating crisp.
- Cole Slaw Tip: Prepare the slaw in advance to let flavors meld and develop a more robust taste.
- Customize Your Spice: Experiment with adding cayenne or hot sauce to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
