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Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli Recipe

4.6 from 102 reviews

This Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli features juicy, marinated chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Cajun-spiced crust, fried to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy garlic aioli and fresh veggies inside a soft brioche bun. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and rich textures, this sandwich is an irresistible comfort food for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Garlic Aioli:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

  • 4 brioche buns
  • Leafy romaine lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the spice-coated breading for the chicken.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F, ideal for frying.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken evenly in the flour mixture, ensuring thorough coverage for a crispy crust.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Make the Garlic Aioli: While the chicken fries, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful garlic sauce.
  7. Drain and Rest: After frying, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
  8. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the garlic aioli on the bottom half of each brioche bun. Layer with romaine lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the crispy chicken breast. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F internally.
  • Letting the chicken rest after frying helps keep it juicy.
  • Brioche buns can be lightly toasted for added texture.
  • Leftover garlic aioli can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cajun chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, garlic aioli, fried chicken, sandwich recipe, Southern style chicken