Name: Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 brioche buns; Leafy romaine lettuce; Sliced tomatoes

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Introduction

The Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli is a deliciously spicy and crunchy meal perfect for any day of the week. Marinated in flavorful buttermilk and Cajun spices, the chicken is fried to golden perfection and paired with a creamy garlic aioli for an irresistible bite.

A close-up of a crispy fried chicken sandwich placed on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has three visible layers: a toasted golden brown bun on top with a slight shine, a thick piece of crunchy, breaded chicken in the middle with a rough, textured surface, and fresh green leafy lettuce at the bottom. There are small white dollops of creamy sauce with tiny green herb bits on the chicken. The lighting highlights the crispy texture and softness of the bun, making the sandwich look fresh and tasty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (for aioli)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for aioli)
4 brioche buns
Leafy romaine lettuce
Sliced tomatoes

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and Cajun seasoning. Add chicken breasts, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to coat evenly.
Step 5: Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 6: While the chicken is frying, prepare the garlic aioli by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 7: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil and let rest for a few minutes.
Step 8: To assemble the sandwiches, spread garlic aioli on the bottom half of each brioche bun, then layer with lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the crispy chicken. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Marinate the chicken overnight for extra tender and flavorful results.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right frying temperature to keep the chicken crispy.
Add pickles or jalapeños for an extra tangy or spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Keep leftover garlic aioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a fried chicken sandwich on a glossy, golden-brown bun, with the top bun slightly tilted to show the layers inside. The sandwich has a layer of crispy fried chicken breast with a crunchy brown coating in the middle. Below the chicken, there is a fresh green leafy lettuce layer, adding texture and color. On top of the chicken, there is a drizzle of white sauce with tiny green herbs sprinkled on it. The sandwich is placed on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even marinating and cooking. Frozen chicken may release excess moisture, which can affect the coating and frying process.

How can I make the sandwich less spicy?

Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning in the marinade and flour mixture. You can also add a mild cheese slice to mellow the heat or use a milder sauce instead of the garlic aioli.