Creating the Crispy Dill Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Aioli involves several straightforward steps. Follow this list for delicious results:
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare the Breading: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture first, then dip it back into the buttermilk, before coating it in the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the chicken is well-coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to shallow fry the chicken. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces.
- Cook the Chicken: Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Aioli: While the chicken cooks, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- Slice the Rolls: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Meanwhile, slice the sandwich rolls in half.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of homemade aioli on both sides of the sandwich rolls. Place a piece of crispy chicken on the bottom half, layer with fresh lettuce and tomato, and then top with the other half of the roll.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your sandwich fresh and hot for the best experience!