Jun 04 2026
RestaurantsWater St. CaféFried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Inspired by Water St. Café
Time1h
Serves4

Crispy water st. fried chicken, pistachio-basil pesto, mayonnaise, mozzarella, parmesan, brioche bun, peperonata

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Ingredients

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Fried Chicken

Pistachio-Basil Pesto

Sandwich Assembly

Method

Fried Chicken Preparation

  1. 1

    Marinate Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  2. 2

    Prepare Breading

    In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.

  3. 3

    Fry Chicken

    In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel.

Pistachio-Basil Pesto Preparation

  1. 4

    Make Pesto

    In a food processor, combine pistachios, basil, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarsely ground. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until smooth. Stir in parmesan cheese and salt to taste.

Sandwich Assembly

  1. 5

    Assemble Sandwiches

    Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each brioche bun. Add fried chicken, a slice of mozzarella, a spoonful of pesto, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a generous serving of peperonata. Top with the other half of the bun and serve.

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