Chef Michael Symon stopped by the Good Morning America studios Friday to share a recipe for a Popeyes-style chicken sandwich for those who aren’t able to get one, or just don’t want to wait in line.
As part of his “Takeout Fakeout” segment, Symon also shared a recipe to recreate another popular macaroni and cheese dish. Click here to see that recipe on GoodMorningAmerica.com.
Here is the chicken sandwich recipe and video of Chef Symon preparing it:
The key to perfectly recreating the coveted chicken sandwich? Start with really good brioche buns and let the chicken soak submerged in buttermilk overnight to keep it juicy and tender.
Check out the full recipes below and get a taste of the two southern favorites right at home.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
A buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that rivals the popular menu item at Popeyes.
Ingredients
4, 6 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Louisiana Hot Sauce (increase to 2 tablespoons if making the spicy version)
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon cayenne (if making the spicy version)
Oil for frying
4 soft brioche hamburger buns
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Dill pickle chips, for serving
Hellman’s or Dukes Mayo, for serving
Directions
Lay out your chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a piece of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to an even half-inch thickness. Trim down to the size of your bun if preferred.
In a mixing bowl whisk together the buttermilk and next five ingredients. Submerge the chicken in the buttermilk overnight or for at least four hours.
In the meantime, heat a pot of oil to 350 degrees for deep frying.
In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch and seasonings.
Drizzle two to three tablespoons of the buttermilk into the flour mixture and mix loosely with a fork, creating some small clumps. This will help the chicken achieve a jagged, flakey crunch.
Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Place it in the flour mixture and turn to coat evenly. Gently press the breading into the chicken and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Deep fry for four to five minutes, until the chicken is crunchy and cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Remove to a draining rack and season with salt.
Brush the cut side of the brioche buns with melted butter and toast.
To assemble, spread the bottom half of the bun with mayo and add a few pickle slices. Place a piece of chicken on and top with the other half of the bun. Serve.
