Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

The first time I bit into a Thai fried chicken sandwich, I experienced a burst of flavor like no other. The crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and fresh toppings worked together to create a culinary masterpiece. This sandwich brings together comfort food and exotic flavors, making it a household favorite.

Marinating the chicken in a delightful coconut milk mixture infused with curry flavor elevates it to a new level. Pair that with the crunch of pickled carrots and the creaminess of a chili mayo spread, I knew this was a recipe that would steal the show. Cooking the chicken to just the right texture ensures that every bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

The joy of this Thai fried chicken sandwich doesn’t just stop at flavor. The colors and textures make it visually appealing too. Guests will marvel at the delightful layers tucked inside a soft toasted bun. Each component complements the others while showcasing the unique taste of Thai cuisine right in your kitchen.

In the following sections, we will dive deeper into preparing, perfecting, and presenting this delicious sandwich. Get ready to delight your family and friends with your culinary skills as we explore everything from the ingredients to the techniques involved in crafting this dish.

Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich: Fundamentals

Preparation/setup

Creating the perfect Thai fried chicken sandwich begins with preparing your ingredients and workspace. Gather all your ingredients and tools before diving into the cooking process to make everything flow smoothly. You’ll want to have a large bowl for marinating the chicken, a frying pan, and a prep area for assembling the sandwich.

Start by marinating the chicken thighs in the flavorful coconut milk mixture. This crucial step not only imparts a unique taste to the meat but also tenderizes it, giving you a juicy, succulent result. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour or, if time permits, overnight. The longer the chicken soaks in the marinade, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.

As you prepare the chicken, take the time to slice the cucumber and pickled carrots. These toppings add a delightful crunch and freshness that balance out the richness of the fried chicken. Finally, ensure you have your herbs ready to go, as they provide an aromatic finish to your sandwich.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Thai fried chicken sandwich, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup rice flour or cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
• 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pickled carrots, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Fresh Thai basil leaves
• 4 soft buns or brioche buns, lightly toasted

Having everything laid out helps streamline the cooking process. This recipe provides the perfect groundwork for a delectable sandwich creation.

Directions

Follow these straightforward steps to craft your Thai fried chicken sandwich:

1. Combine the coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs into this mixture and make sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or ideal for overnight.
2. On a separate plate, mix together rice flour (or cornstarch) along with salt and pepper. Once your chicken has marinated, carefully remove it from the bowl while letting any excess marinade drip off. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres properly.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Gently place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, frying for 5-7 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing the chicken. Drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towel.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Thai chili sauce and mayonnaise (or yogurt) until creamy and smooth. Prepare your toppings by slicing the cucumber and pickled carrots, and fresh herbs.
5. Lightly toast the buns. Spread the chili mayo generously on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer each bun with crispy fried chicken, cucumber slices, pickled carrots, and fresh herbs. Cap it off with the other half of the bun, pressing down gently to hold everything together.

Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich: Technique

Tips/tricks

Perfecting the Thai fried chicken sandwich lies in mastering a few techniques. The marination process allows flavors to develop and tenderizes the chicken, leading to a juicy final product. Always allow the chicken enough time to soak up those flavors for maximum impact.

When frying, it’s important to maintain the oil temperature. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep track of the heat. Cooking the chicken at the right temperature ensures a crispy exterior without undercooking the meat inside. Fry in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.

If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, consider experimenting with variations of curry powder. You can find different kinds, such as red or green curry powder, each offering its unique twist.

Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich: Perfecting results

Troubleshooting/variations

Achieving the ideal Thai fried chicken sandwich may take practice, but it’s worth mastering. If the chicken doesn’t turn out crispy enough, check your oil temperature. Also, ensure the chicken is well-coated with patting dry excess marinade during the dredging process.

If you run into issues with undercooked chicken, consider adjusting your frying time and temperature. Ensure the chicken pieces are of uniform thickness for even cooking. Using a meat thermometer eliminates guesswork, giving you the assurance of doneness.

You can also mix up your toppings as desired. Add avocado slices, a spicy sriracha sauce, or even switch up the herbs depending on your preferences. Experimenting with texture and flavors turns this sandwich into your signature dish.

Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich: Serving/presentation

Pairings/storage

Once you’ve assembled your Thai fried chicken sandwiches, think about presentation. A beautiful plate garnished with fresh herbs or extra carrot sticks makes the dish visually appealing. You might also serve the sandwiches alongside a light salad or crispy fries to round out the meal.

If you have leftovers, store them appropriately. Keep any uneaten chicken separately from assembled sandwiches to prevent sogginess. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The toppings can stay fresh in their containers as well, allowing you to reassemble the sandwich for another meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each bite tells a story, inviting you to enjoy every moment of your culinary journey.

As you dive into preparing your Thai fried chicken sandwiches, remember the joy of cooking. The process of creating something delicious at home is a rewarding experience worth savoring. Delight in the vibrant flavors and aromatic ingredients that will impress your family and friends.

Print