Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this mouthwatering Big Easy Chicken Sandwich that's about to revolutionize your home cooking! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breast, seasoned with authentic Cajun spices, nestled between soft hamburger buns and topped with fresh, crisp vegetables. This isn't just another chicken sandwich – it's a flavor explosion that will make your friends and family think you've secretly trained in a Louisiana kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of lettuce
- 4 slices of tomato
- Pickles for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- In a medium bowl, pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate and tenderize.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading mixture. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. About 1/4 inch of oil should suffice for frying.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil; it should sizzle), take the marinated chicken breasts out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken in the hot oil.
- Fry the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the hamburger buns. You can toast them lightly on a skillet or in a toaster if desired.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of lettuce on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a slice of tomato, then the fried chicken breast. Top with pickles to your liking and cover with the top half of the bun.
- Serve the Big Easy Chicken Sandwiches immediately with your favorite side, such as fries or a salad. Enjoy!
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk marinade. The longer the chicken sits (up to 24 hours), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer or the flour test to ensure your oil is around 350°F for the crispiest, non-greasy chicken.
- Seasoning Hack: For extra flavor, mix a little Cajun seasoning into your mayonnaise or add a dash to the buttermilk marinade.
- Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Drain Excess Oil: Always let fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and maintain that perfect crispy texture.
- Bun Tip: Lightly toasting the buns adds an extra layer of texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the juicy chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
