Jun 04 2026
RestaurantsEssex RestaurantButtermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Inspired by Essex Restaurant
Time2h
Serves4

Hand-Cut Fries | Secret Sauce

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Ingredients

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Chicken Marinade

Breading and Frying

Hand-Cut Fries

Secret Sauce

Assembly

Method

Chicken Marinade

  1. 1

    Marinate the Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Breading and Frying

  1. 2

    Prepare the Breading

    In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

  2. 3

    Fry the Chicken

    In a large pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken and fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Hand-Cut Fries

  1. 4

    Prepare the Fries

    While the chicken is frying, wash and cut the russet potatoes into fries. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. In another pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt to taste.

Secret Sauce

  1. 5

    Make the Secret Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sugar. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembly

  1. 6

    Assemble the Sandwiches

    On the bottom half of each burger bun, place a lettuce leaf, followed by a piece of fried chicken. Top with a slice of tomato and a generous dollop of secret sauce. Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve with hand-cut fries on the side.

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