Start by preparing your chicken. Place each piece of chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, pound it until it’s about a quarter inch thick. This step not only tenderizes the chicken but ensures even cooking.
In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: buttermilk, one teaspoon of sweet paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and white pepper. Once mixed, add your chicken pieces, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. The longer, the better for flavor!
As the chicken marinates, let’s whip up the sriracha sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, pickle juice, and sriracha. Mix well and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Next, it’s time to prepare the dry mixture for the breading. In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, the remaining sweet paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend it thoroughly for an even coating.
Now, it's frying time! Pour about two to three inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it until it reaches 350°F. A good tip is to test the oil by dropping in a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Once the oil is hot, take each piece of marinated chicken out of the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then place it on a plate lined with parchment paper to catch any excess flour.
Carefully add one or two pieces of chicken to the hot oil, frying for three to four minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently. Place the fried chicken on a cooling rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this ensures a perfect fry.
Once everything is fried, it’s time to assemble your Fried Chicken Sandwich. Start with a toasted burger bun, spread a generous layer of the sriracha mayo, then add the crispy chicken, followed by a heap of coleslaw and a few slices of pickles. Cap it off with the other half of the bun.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich right away, or package it up for a delightful meal later!
