The Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is a staple of fast food menus everywhere. Its juicy chicken patty, crispy breading, and soft bun have captured the hearts of many. But have you ever wondered how to make this mouth-watering sandwich in the comfort of your own home? Look no further, as we’re about to dive into a detailed guide on how to recreate the magic of Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Original Chicken Sandwich
Before we begin, it’s essential to understand the components that make up the Original Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich consists of:
- A breaded and pressure-cooked chicken patty
- A soft, sesame seed bun
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayonnaise
- Pickles
To recreate this sandwich, we’ll need to focus on each of these components and ensure that they’re made to perfection.
The Chicken Patty: The Star of the Show
The chicken patty is the heart of the Original Chicken Sandwich. To make it, you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
To prepare the chicken patty, follow these steps:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, coating it completely, then roll it in the flour mixture to coat. Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
- Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches a golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Pressure Cooking: The Secret to a Juicy Patty
To achieve the same level of juiciness as Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich, you’ll need to pressure cook the chicken patty. You can use a pressure cooker or an air fryer with a pressure cooking function. If you don’t have either of these appliances, you can skip this step, but keep in mind that the patty might not be as juicy.
- Place the fried chicken patty into the pressure cooker or air fryer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The Bun: Soft and Sesame Seeded
The bun is an essential component of the Original Chicken Sandwich. To make it, you’ll need:
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sesame seeds for topping
To prepare the bun, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Add the yeast mixture and beaten egg to the dough and mix until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and shiny.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong shape. Place the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the top with egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake the bun for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that we have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Follow these steps:
- Slice the bun in half and toast it lightly.
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bun.
- Add a lettuce leaf on top of the mayonnaise.
- Add a tomato slice on top of the lettuce.
- Place the chicken patty on top of the tomato.
- Add a few slices of pickle on top of the chicken patty.
- Place the top half of the bun on top of the sandwich.
Tips and Variations
To take your Original Chicken Sandwich to the next level, here are some tips and variations:
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying the chicken patty.
- Don’t overcook the chicken patty, as it can become dry and tough.
- Use a pressure cooker or air fryer to achieve a juicy patty.
- Add some spice to the chicken patty by sprinkling some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top.
- Use a different type of bun, such as a brioche or ciabatta, to give the sandwich a different texture and flavor.
- Add some cheese, such as American or cheddar, to the sandwich for an extra burst of flavor.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to recreate the magic of Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich in the comfort of your own home. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of this iconic sandwich!
What is Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich?
Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich is a popular menu item that features a breaded and pressure-cooked chicken breast filet served on a sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The sandwich was first introduced in the late 1970s and has since become a staple of the Burger King menu.
To recreate the magic of this iconic sandwich, you’ll need to start with a few key ingredients, including a chicken breast filet, all-purpose flour, and a blend of spices. You’ll also need a pressure fryer or a deep frying pan to achieve the signature crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken.
What type of chicken is used in Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich?
Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich features a chicken breast filet that is made from 100% white meat chicken. The chicken is breaded and pressure-cooked to a golden brown, giving it a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
To recreate the sandwich at home, you can use a similar type of chicken breast filet. Look for a filet that is about 1/4 inch thick and weighs around 3-4 ounces. You can also use a chicken breast tenderloin or a chicken cutlet, but a filet will give you the most authentic results.
What is the secret to the crispy breading on Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich?
The secret to the crispy breading on Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich is a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices. The breading is applied to the chicken in a specific order, with the flour coating the chicken first, followed by a dip in a mixture of eggs and water, and finally a coating of the cornstarch and spice mixture.
To achieve the same crispy breading at home, make sure to use the right type of flour and cornstarch. All-purpose flour will give you a lighter coating, while cornstarch will add crunch and texture. You can also experiment with different spice blends to find the one that works best for you.
How do I pressure-cook the chicken for Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich?
Pressure-cooking is a key step in making Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich. The chicken is cooked in a pressure fryer at a high temperature, which helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.
If you don’t have a pressure fryer, you can also use a deep frying pan to cook the chicken. Heat about 1/2-inch of oil in the pan over medium-high heat, and then add the breaded chicken filet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches a golden brown.
What type of bun is used in Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich?
Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich features a sesame seed bun that is soft and lightly toasted. The bun is an important part of the sandwich, as it helps to hold everything together and adds texture and flavor.
To recreate the sandwich at home, look for a similar type of sesame seed bun. You can find these buns at most grocery stores or bakeries. If you can’t find a sesame seed bun, you can also use a plain white bun or a whole wheat bun.
How do I assemble Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich?
Assembling Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich is easy. Start by spreading a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice. Next, add the breaded and pressure-cooked chicken filet, and finally top with the top bun.
Make sure to assemble the sandwich in the right order, as this will help to keep everything in place. You can also customize the sandwich to your liking by adding cheese, pickles, or other toppings.
Can I customize Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich to my liking?
Yes, you can customize Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich to your liking. While the classic version of the sandwich features lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, you can also add cheese, pickles, or other toppings to give it your own twist.
Some popular customizations include adding a slice of American cheese, a few slices of bacon, or a dollop of BBQ sauce. You can also try using different types of buns or breadings to give the sandwich a unique flavor and texture.