Description
Cheesy Chicken Stack Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Sandwich:
4 burger buns
4 slices of cheddar cheese
4 slices of bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
(optional, for a spicy kick)
Lettuce leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Fried Chicken:
Butterfly the chicken breasts (slice them in half horizontally) for a thinner cook. Place them in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Cook the Bacon:
In a separate pan, fry the bacon slices until crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Toast the burger buns lightly on a skillet or in the oven.
On the bottom half of each bun, spread a bit of mayonnaise mixed with sriracha (if using).
Place the crispy fried chicken on top of the bun.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese on each piece of chicken while it’s still hot, allowing the cheese to melt.
Stack with crispy bacon and top with lettuce.
Finish the Stack:
Add the top bun and gently press down to secure the stack.
For an extra indulgent finish, you can add a drizzle of more hot sauce or some ranch dressing on top!
Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy this mega cheesy and crunchy chicken stack sandwich with your favorite side of fries or chips!
This Cheesy Chicken Stack Sandwich is packed with flavor and will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed process for perfect results. First, prepare your chicken by butterflying the breasts to ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for crispiness. While the chicken marinates in the seasoned buttermilk (a crucial step for tenderness), mix your dry coating and prepare your bacon and sauces. When frying, maintain your oil temperature between 350-375°F; a candy thermometer is highly recommended. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which causes soggy chicken. Assemble immediately after frying so the residual heat melts the cheese perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sandwich is a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Serve with crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. For a lighter option, a simple side salad or coleslaw balances the richness. Pickles, jalapeños, or a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping are excellent additions. For beverages, consider an ice-cold craft beer, lemonade, or iced tea.
How-to Summary
To make the Cheesy Chicken Stack Sandwich: 1) Marinate butterflied chicken in seasoned buttermilk. 2) Dredge in a flour-cornstarch mix and fry until golden. 3) Cook bacon until crispy. 4) Toast buns and spread with spicy mayo. 5) Stack hot chicken, cheese, bacon, and lettuce on the bun. 6) Press gently and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, for a lighter version. Place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
How can I make this ahead of time? You can marinate the chicken overnight and mix your dry ingredients. For best results, fry and assemble just before serving to maintain crispiness.
What are good cheese substitutes? Pepper jack adds spice, Swiss offers a milder flavor, or provolone melts beautifully. A slice of American cheese provides ultimate meltability.
My coating isn’t sticking to the chicken. What went wrong? Ensure you shake off excess buttermilk before dredging. Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating set.
How do I store leftovers? Store components separately. Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness. Assembled sandwiches will become soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not butterflying the chicken, leading to uneven cooking and a bulky, hard-to-eat sandwich.
- Skipping the marinating time, resulting in less flavorful and tender chicken.
- Adding cheese to cold chicken, preventing proper melting. The cheese must contact the hot chicken directly.
- Overcrowding the frying pan, which lowers oil temperature and causes greasy, soft breading.
- Using soft, untoasted buns, which quickly become soggy and fall apart under the juicy ingredients.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Chicken Stack Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, combining crunchy, juicy chicken with melted cheese and smoky bacon. While it requires a few steps, each one is simple and contributes to the incredible final result. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality sandwich at home that is guaranteed to impress. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a delight. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a truly satisfying meal.