Southern-style chicken sandwiches are a staple of American cuisine, and for good reason. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken, crunchy slaw, and creamy sauce, all served on a soft bun, is a match made in heaven. While traditional Southern-style chicken sandwiches are often fried, baking them in the oven is a healthier and just as delicious alternative. In this article, we’ll show you how to make mouth-watering Southern-style chicken sandwiches in the oven, complete with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Understanding the Key Components of a Southern-Style Chicken Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the key components of a Southern-style chicken sandwich:
The Chicken
The chicken is the star of the show in a Southern-style chicken sandwich. It’s typically made with breaded and fried chicken breast or thighs, but for our oven-baked version, we’ll be using chicken breasts. The chicken should be juicy and tender, with a crispy exterior that adds texture to the sandwich.
The Breading
The breading is what gives the chicken its crispy exterior. For a Southern-style chicken sandwich, the breading is typically made with a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices. We’ll be using a similar breading mixture for our oven-baked chicken, but with a few tweaks to help it crisp up in the oven.
The Slaw
The slaw is a crucial component of a Southern-style chicken sandwich. It adds a cool, creamy element to the sandwich that helps balance out the richness of the chicken. For our slaw, we’ll be using a classic combination of shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar.
The Sauce
The sauce is the glue that holds the sandwich together. For a Southern-style chicken sandwich, the sauce is typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices. We’ll be using a similar sauce for our oven-baked chicken sandwiches, but with a few tweaks to give it a bit more flavor.
The Recipe: Oven-Baked Southern-Style Chicken Sandwiches
Now that we’ve broken down the key components of a Southern-style chicken sandwich, let’s get started with the recipe.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for brushing
For the slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, coating it completely, then roll it in the flour mixture to coat. Place the coated chicken breast on a plate or tray. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Brush the tops of the chicken breasts with a little bit of vegetable oil.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the slaw. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a layer of sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a piece of chicken, a few spoonfuls of slaw, and finally the top bun.
Tips for Achieving a Crispy Exterior
One of the key components of a Southern-style chicken sandwich is the crispy exterior. To achieve this in the oven, follow these tips:
Use the Right Breading Mixture
The breading mixture is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. For our oven-baked chicken sandwiches, we’re using a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices. The cornstarch helps the breading mixture brown more evenly in the oven, while the spices add flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
To ensure that the chicken breasts cook evenly and get a crispy exterior, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Cook the chicken breasts in batches if necessary.
Use a Wire Rack
Placing the chicken breasts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet can help them cook more evenly and get a crisper exterior. The wire rack allows air to circulate under the chicken breasts, which helps them brown more evenly.
Broil for Extra Crispiness
If you want an extra crispy exterior, try broiling the chicken breasts for a few minutes after they’re done baking. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Variations and Substitutions
While our recipe for oven-baked Southern-style chicken sandwiches is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can try to mix things up.
Spicy Chicken
If you like a little heat in your chicken sandwiches, try adding some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the breading mixture.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
For a brighter, more citrusy flavor, try adding some lemon zest and lemon pepper to the breading mixture.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
For a richer, more savory flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to the breading mixture.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of our oven-baked Southern-style chicken sandwiches, try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken breasts. You can also use a vegan breading mixture made with cornstarch, flour, and spices.
Conclusion
Making Southern-style chicken sandwiches in the oven is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken sandwiches. By using a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices, you can achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Don’t forget to add some crunchy slaw and creamy sauce to complete the sandwich. With these tips and variations, you can create your own unique version of oven-baked Southern-style chicken sandwiches that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What makes Southern-style chicken sandwiches unique?
Southern-style chicken sandwiches are known for their crispy exterior and juicy interior, which is achieved through a combination of marination, dredging, and frying. However, in this recipe, we’re using the oven to achieve that crispy exterior, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken sandwiches. The Southern-style twist comes from the use of buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices in the marinade, which gives the chicken a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
The other key component of a Southern-style chicken sandwich is the bun, which is typically a soft, white bun that’s lightly toasted. In this recipe, we’re using a brioche bun, which adds a richness and depth of flavor to the sandwich. The bun is topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a drizzle of mayo, which adds a creamy and tangy element to the sandwich.
What type of chicken is best for oven-fried chicken sandwiches?
For oven-fried chicken sandwiches, it’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and will yield a slightly healthier sandwich, while chicken thighs are juicier and more tender. You can use either one, depending on your personal preference. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure to pound them thinly so that they cook evenly and quickly.
It’s also important to note that you should use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen or processed chicken, as it may contain added preservatives and sodium. Fresh chicken will yield a better texture and flavor, and will make a big difference in the overall quality of the sandwich.
How do I achieve a crispy exterior on my oven-fried chicken?
To achieve a crispy exterior on your oven-fried chicken, it’s all about the dredging process. You’ll want to dredge the chicken in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, you’ll want to dip the chicken in beaten eggs and finally, coat it in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. The panko breadcrumbs will add a light and airy texture, while the Parmesan cheese will add a salty, nutty flavor.
When you’re ready to bake the chicken, make sure to preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 425°F). This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly, and will also help to crisp up the exterior. You can also broil the chicken for an extra minute or two to get an extra crispy exterior, but be careful not to burn it.
Can I customize my Southern-style chicken sandwich with different toppings?
Absolutely! While the classic Southern-style chicken sandwich is delicious on its own, you can definitely customize it with different toppings to suit your taste. Some popular toppings include bacon, avocado, grilled onions, and jalapeños. You can also try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to add an extra layer of flavor.
Another great way to customize your sandwich is to try different types of sauces. While mayo is a classic choice, you can also try using mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sauce like sriracha mayo. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things – it’s all part of the fun of making your own Southern-style chicken sandwiches!
How do I store leftover oven-fried chicken sandwiches?
If you have leftover oven-fried chicken sandwiches, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat them, simply place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
You can also freeze the sandwiches for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to reheat them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
Can I make oven-fried chicken sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make oven-fried chicken sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. You can prepare the chicken and the toppings ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to ensure that the buns stay fresh and the chicken stays crispy.
If you’re making the sandwiches for a crowd, you can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time and then assemble the sandwiches just before serving. This will save you time and stress, and will ensure that your guests get a delicious and fresh sandwich. Simply keep the chicken and toppings warm in the oven or on the stovetop until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Are oven-fried chicken sandwiches a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken sandwiches?
Oven-fried chicken sandwiches are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken sandwiches because they’re baked in the oven instead of deep-fried. This means that they contain less oil and fewer calories than traditional fried chicken sandwiches. Additionally, you can use healthier ingredients like whole wheat buns and baked chicken to make the sandwiches even healthier.
However, it’s worth noting that oven-fried chicken sandwiches can still be high in calories and fat, especially if you’re using a lot of cheese and sauces. To make the sandwiches even healthier, try using lighter toppings and sauces, and opt for baked or grilled chicken instead of breaded and fried chicken. With a few simple tweaks, you can make oven-fried chicken sandwiches a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken sandwiches.