A journey to perfect the ultimate fried chicken sandwich – crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. This recipe is inspired by fast-food favorites but elevated with homemade care and quality ingredients.
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1⅓ pounds)
2 cups cold water
2 tablespoons plus ¾ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
4 to 6 cups vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1½ cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Accent flavor enhancer (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
½ cup best-quality mayonnaise
3 tablespoons store-bought barbecue sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
For the Sandwiches:
6 hamburger buns
Bread-and-butter pickles
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Place chicken breasts in a resealable freezer bag; using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even ¼-inch thickness. Cut each pounded breast in half.
Pour water into a medium bowl; add salt and sugar and whisk until dissolved. Place chicken breasts in brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Line a plate with paper towels. Pour oil into a large pot until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
Whisk egg and milk in a medium bowl. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, pepper, Accent (if using), and remaining salt in another bowl.
Drizzle 4 tablespoons egg mixture into flour mixture and mix with a fork until clumpy.
Remove chicken from brine and pat dry. Dip each breast into egg mixture, then into flour mixture, pressing firmly.
Carefully place chicken into hot oil without crowding. Cook, turning, until golden brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes total. Place on paper towels to drain.
Whisk mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and mustard in a small bowl.
Spread sauce on top and bottom buns. Top each bottom bun with chicken and pickles. Close sandwiches and serve immediately.
A deep-frying thermometer is helpful for maintaining oil temperature.
Nutritional information is an estimate.
Feel free to experiment with different sauces and pickles!