Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 2 cups buttermilk
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 tablespoon paprika
05 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 1 tablespoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Breading and Frying

09 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
10 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
11 - 1 tablespoon paprika
12 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
15 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Assembly

16 - 4 sandwich buns
17 - Lettuce leaves
18 - Pickle slices
19 - Tomato slices
20 - Spicy mayonnaise or ranch dressing

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Submerge chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring all are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
04 - Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
05 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 165°C.
06 - Carefully add breaded chicken to the oil and fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp, with an internal temperature of 75°C.
07 - Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a tray to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
08 - Lightly toast the sandwich buns until just golden.
09 - Layer each bun with a fried chicken piece, lettuce, pickle slices, tomato slices, and chosen sauce. Cap with the top bun.
10 - Present sandwiches hot for optimal juiciness and crunch.

# Notes:

01 - For maximum tenderness, marinate chicken overnight. Ensure frying oil is maintained at temperature for even crispiness.