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Welcome to the tantalizing world of Spicy Cajun Chicken Sandwiches, a culinary delight that melds bold flavors with satisfying textures to create an unforgettable meal. This recipe is not just about heat; it encapsulates the essence of Cajun cooking, where the perfect blend of spices transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular sandwich. With a crispy, golden crust enveloping juicy, tender chicken, these sandwiches are ideal for anything from casual weeknight dinners to lively backyard barbecues.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Sandwiches

Elevate your mealtime with Spicy Cajun Chicken Sandwiches, a tasty blend of flavors that bring the essence of Cajun cuisine to your table. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in buttermilk and seasoned to perfection, then fried to a golden crisp. Discover the origins of Cajun cooking, explore essential spices, and follow easy steps to create these delicious sandwiches. Ideal for any occasion, they're sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy the flavor adventure!
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Ingredients
  

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)

4 sandwich buns (brioche or sesame seed recommended)

Leafy lettuce or arugula

Sliced tomatoes

Pickles (optional)

Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken cutlets and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best flavor.

    Prepare the Breading: In a separate shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and dried thyme. This will create a crispy coating for the chicken.

      Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A drop of breading should sizzle immediately when it hits the oil.

        Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Take each piece of chicken, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and dredge it in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Use a thermometer if available for accuracy. Place cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

            Prepare the Spicy Mayo: While the chicken is frying, mix together the mayonnaise and hot sauce in a small bowl until fully combined. Adjust the hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.

              Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the sandwich buns in half. Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns. Place a layer of leafy lettuce or arugula on the bottom bun, followed by a fried chicken cutlet, a slice of tomato, and pickles if using. Top with the other half of the bun.

                Serve: Serve the spicy Cajun chicken sandwiches hot with your choice of sides, like french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour (plus marinating) | 4 servings