Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipes

Steps:

• Combine the pickle juice, 1 tablespoon hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken thighs, seal the bag and shake to evenly disperse. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. When ready to fry, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. (Discard the marinade.)
• Fill a large, wide Dutch oven or pot with about 2 1/2 inches of oil, then add the shortening. Attach a deep-frying thermometer to the side of the pot and bring to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
• Whisk together the flour, paprika, mustard, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Pour in 1/4 cup of buttermilk and use your fingers to work it in, making the flour shaggy.
• Whisk the remaining cup of buttermilk and 1 tablespoon hot sauce together in another large bowl.
• Dip one of the chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture and let the excess drip off. Add to the flour mixture, making sure to press the chicken into the flour to fully coat. Set on a plate. Repeat with as many chicken thighs as your pot can hold comfortably in one batch. (As the chicken sits, if you notice it getting soggy in any spots, then dredge it in the flour mixture again.)
• Once the oil is at 350 F, being careful of the hot oil, slide the breaded chicken into the oil, turn off the heat and allow the temperature to drop all the way to 300 degrees F. When the temperature reaches 300 degrees F, turn the heat back on low and continue to fry, turning the chicken as needed for even browning, while adjusting the heat to maintain a temperature around 300 degrees F. Fry until the chicken is a deep golden brown with an internal temperature of about 170 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Remove to the lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a little salt. If you're working in batches, dredge the remaining chicken and increase the heat to 350 degrees F again and repeat the process.
• Once all the chicken is fried, split the buns and toast in a toaster oven or broiler, cut-side up, until golden. Put 4 pickles on each bottom bun, add a piece of fried chicken and sandwich with the top buns. Serve hot or wrap in foil to transport.

Steps:

• For the chicken: Combine the chicken, buttermilk, lemon and salt in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.
• For the crispy prosciutto: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spray a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Lay the prosciutto flat on the baking sheet and spray with a few more spritzes. Bake until lightly toasted and crispy, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
• For the mayo: Mix together the mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the sandwiches: Mix together the flour, breadcrumbs and salt in a shallow bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the grapeseed oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, removing as much of the buttermilk as possible, and dredge in the flour mixture. Place immediately in the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Fry on the first side until golden brown and there is a ring of cooked chicken around the edges, about 5 minutes. Gently flip the chicken and continue to cook on the second side until evenly golden brown and cooked through, an additional 4 minutes. Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each and cover the pan for an additional minute to melt the cheese. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken to a small baking tray, top with the mozzarella and place under the broiler until melted and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
• Spread the cut sides of the buns evenly with pesto mayonnaise. Place a small amount of arugula on the bottom halves and top with a cutlet. Break a slice of crispy prosciutto on top. Close the sandwiches and enjoy.