Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Union Bar & Soda Fountain›The Bucktown Recipe

The Bucktown Recipe

Inspired by Union Bar & Soda Fountain
Time2h 30m
Serves4

fried, spicy-hot chicken, house pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato-shallot relish, ranch dressing, brioche bun, side string fries with fry sauce

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fried Chicken

Pickles and Relish

Ranch Dressing

Bun and Fries

Lettuce and Tomato

Method

Fried Chicken Preparation

  1. 1

    Marinate Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

  2. 2

    Prepare Flour Mixture

    In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Fry Chicken

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry the chicken in batches for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Pickles and Relish Preparation

  1. 4

    Make Pickles

    Slice cucumbers into rounds. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves. Pour over cucumber slices and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

  2. 5

    Make Tomato-Shallot Relish

    Finely chop the tomato and shallots. Combine in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Ranch Dressing Preparation

  1. 6

    Mix Dressing

    In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble and Serve

  1. 7

    Prepare Fries

    Cut potatoes into thin strips. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet. Fry the potatoes until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and season with salt.

  2. 8

    Assemble The Bucktown

    On the bottom half of each brioche bun, layer shredded lettuce, fried chicken, tomato-shallot relish, house pickles, and drizzle ranch dressing. Top with the other half of the brioche bun and serve with string fries and fry sauce on the side.

More from Union Bar & Soda Fountain