The Brining Process: Tenderizing the Chicken

Brining is a technique often used to ensure that chicken remains moist and tender when cooked. The Dijon mayo brine used in this recipe is an exceptional twist on the traditional brine. The creamy Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo gives the chicken cutlets an extra layer of richness and moisture, while the Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy contrast that infuses the meat with flavor. By allowing the chicken to marinate in this mixture, the meat absorbs both moisture and flavor, resulting in a juicy, well-seasoned cutlet once fried. This brining method ensures that the chicken doesn’t dry out during the frying process, leaving you with a perfectly crispy and tender piece of chicken.

The Green Goddess Dressing: Creamy, Tangy, and Herby

The green goddess dressing in this sandwich is an essential component that adds a unique tanginess and fresh herbal notes. The dressing is made by blending Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh basil, along with scallions and seasoning. This combination creates a creamy, smooth dressing that is both rich and bright, complementing the fried chicken and crunchy slaw perfectly. The use of fresh basil adds an aromatic touch, while the lemon juice provides acidity that balances out the richness of the mayo and the chicken. This green goddess dressing is versatile, and while it’s the perfect complement to this sandwich, it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or chips, or even as a salad dressing.

The Slaw: A Crunchy and Fresh Contrast

The slaw in this sandwich serves as a fresh and crunchy counterpoint to the crispy fried chicken. Made with thinly sliced carrots, cabbage, and fresh mint, it provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender meat. The slaw is tossed in the green goddess dressing, infusing each bite with the same tangy, creamy flavors that elevate the sandwich. The addition of scallions and mint offers a fresh, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile. The slaw not only adds texture but also brings a vibrant color to the sandwich, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Frying the Chicken: Achieving the Perfect Crispy Exterior

One of the most important steps in making a crispy chicken sandwich is ensuring the coating is perfectly crunchy and golden. In this recipe, the chicken cutlets are dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in whisked eggs, and coated in panko breadcrumbs. This three-step breading process ensures that the chicken gets a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat moist and tender on the inside. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice because they create a lighter, airier crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs. When fried in hot oil, the coating turns a beautiful golden brown, providing the ideal texture that makes every bite satisfying.

The key to achieving the perfect fried chicken is maintaining the right oil temperature. The oil should be heated to about 350°F (175°C), allowing the chicken to cook quickly and evenly without absorbing too much oil. This helps to preserve the crispiness and ensures the chicken stays light and not greasy. The result is a perfectly crispy, crunchy chicken cutlet that’s ready to be assembled into the sandwich.

Assembling the Sandwich: A Perfect Combination of Flavors

Assembling the sandwich is where all the elements come together into a cohesive and delicious meal. The soft, slightly sweet brioche buns provide the perfect base for this sandwich, offering a light, buttery contrast to the crunchy chicken and slaw. Before adding the fried chicken, the inside of the buns is spread with a generous amount of green goddess dressing, which enhances the flavor and provides an additional layer of creaminess. The crispy chicken cutlet is then placed on the bun, followed by a heaping portion of the tangy, creamy green goddess slaw. The combination of these components creates a sandwich that’s full of textures—from the soft bun to the crispy chicken and crunchy slaw—and an explosion of flavors that hit all the right notes.

Why This Sandwich Is Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

The Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering protein, vegetables, and rich flavors all in one bite. The sandwich is satisfying and filling, thanks to the crispy chicken and the creamy slaw. The green goddess dressing ties everything together, giving each bite a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the fried chicken with the freshness of the herbs and vegetables.

This sandwich is also a great option for meal prepping, as you can brine the chicken and make the green goddess dressing ahead of time. The chicken can be fried just before serving, ensuring that each sandwich is fresh and crispy. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a solo meal, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress. Its combination of crispy chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy slaw makes it an irresistible option for any occasion.

Nutritional Information: A Balanced Meal

While this sandwich is indulgent and packed with flavor, it’s also a relatively balanced meal. With an estimated 500-600 calories per serving, it provides a decent amount of protein—around 30-35 grams—making it a satisfying option for those looking for a filling meal. The sandwich is also a good source of fiber, thanks to the vegetables in the slaw. While it does contain some fat, most of it comes from healthy sources like avocado oil mayo, which provides heart-healthy fats. Additionally, by using fresh ingredients and cooking the chicken at home, you can control the amount of oil and salt in the dish, making it a healthier option than many fast food alternatives.

Conclusion: A Sandwich Worth Craving

In conclusion, the Dijon Mayo Brined Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures. The combination of brined, crispy chicken, fresh slaw, and creamy green goddess dressing makes for a sandwich that’s both satisfying and crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, this sandwich is sure to be a hit. Its balance of crispy, juicy, creamy, and tangy elements creates a delightful contrast in every bite, making it a truly memorable dish. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more.