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thai-fried-chicken-sandwich-brioche-bun-assembled

Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich

Crispy coconut milk-marinated chicken thighs coated in rice flour, fried golden, and served on a toasted brioche bun with Thai chili mayo, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and Thai basil.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian, Thai
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup coconut milk full-fat recommended
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 0.5 tsp salt for marinade
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup rice flour or cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp salt for breading
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • vegetable or canola oil for frying, about 2 inches deep
  • 3 tbsp Thai chili sauce
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4 brioche buns toasted
  • 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup pickled carrots thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 0.25 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Equipment

  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Wire rack
  • Shallow dredging dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Combine rice flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece firmly in the flour mixture. For extra crunch, dip briefly back in the marinade and dredge again.
  3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature throughout frying.
  4. Carefully lower chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Work in batches. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
  5. Whisk together Thai chili sauce and mayonnaise until smooth. Toast brioche buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
  6. Spread Thai chili mayo on both sides of each toasted bun. Layer on crispy chicken, cucumber slices, pickled carrots, cilantro, and Thai basil. Press gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Use a wire rack after frying to preserve crispiness. Store fried chicken separately from buns and toppings for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 375 degrees F on a wire rack for 10 to 12 minutes. Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.