Southern Charm Cajun Chicken
A mouthwatering dish featuring golden-brown chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served on a toasted bun with jalapeño honey and creamy mayonnaise.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, trimmed to about 1/2 inch thick
- 3/4 cup buttermilk Adds tanginess and moisture
- 1 large egg Helps bind the coating
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided) Use 1 tablespoon for the marinade and 1 for the coating
- 1 cup flour For the crispy coating
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Adds extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Lightens the coating
- 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil For frying
- 4 buns optionally, lightly toasted
- 6 tablespoons jalapeño honey Sweet and spicy
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise Adds creaminess
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until completely coated. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack to set for about 10 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat the oil in a large pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven.
Assembly
- Take your toasted buns and place the crispy fried chicken on them. Drizzle generously with jalapeño honey and add a dollop of mayonnaise before placing the top of the bun.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Consider adding diced jalapeños to the flour mixture for extra heat. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).