Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich: A Crispy, Flavorful Fusion

If you’ve ever craved a sandwich that’s packed with bold flavors, the Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich is exactly what you need. It combines the crispy satisfaction of a traditional fried chicken sandwich with the vibrant, zesty notes of Thai cuisine. This fusion dish brings together the crunch of perfectly fried chicken, topped with fresh herbs, tangy slaw, and a kick of chili mayo, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

What Is a Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich?

At its core, the Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich is a crispy fried chicken fillet dressed with classic Thai-inspired ingredients. Imagine the aromatic spices of garlic, ginger, and lime paired with the unique tang of fish sauce and soy sauce. These flavors come together in the marinade, infusing the chicken with a depth that’s both savory and slightly spicy.

The result? A sandwich that goes beyond just a quick meal and becomes an adventure in every bite. You’ll find that the distinct combination of crispy chicken, crunchy slaw, and fresh herbs balances perfectly with the spicy mayo and the soft, toasted bun. It’s no wonder this sandwich has quickly gained popularity in American kitchens and eateries.

Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich

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• Author: Amanda Thompson
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This **Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich** combines crispy fried chicken with Thai-inspired ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and lime. Topped with a tangy chili mayo and crunchy slaw, it’s the perfect fusion of flavors. A must-try for flavor lovers!

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2–3 pickled radishes (optional)
• 4 brioche buns

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Instructions

1. 1. Marinate the chicken thighs in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and lime juice for at least 1 hour.
2. 2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
3. 3. In another bowl, beat the egg.
4. 4. Dip each marinated chicken thigh in the egg wash, then coat with the flour mixture.
5. 5. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for 6-8 minutes or until golden and crispy.
6. 6. In a small bowl, mix mayo, sriracha, and lime juice to create chili mayo.
7. 7. Toast the brioche buns and spread a layer of chili mayo on the bottom half of each bun.
8. 8. Place the crispy chicken on the buns, top with slaw, cilantro, mint, and pickled radishes.
9. 9. Assemble the sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

1. For a gluten-free version, use rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
2. If you prefer a lighter option, try air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai Fusion

Key Ingredients & Flavor Profile You’ll Need

To bring your Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients that create the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and tangy.

Chicken Marinade

• Chicken thighs: While you could use chicken breasts, chicken thighs bring more flavor and juiciness, which is essential for this dish. The marinade helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with the rich umami flavors of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of lime.

• Garlic and ginger: These aromatic ingredients add that authentic Thai zing.

• Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the salty and spicy elements.

Crispy Coating

For the crispy coating, a simple mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives that desired crunch. You can adjust the ratio depending on your preference for texture—more cornstarch will give a lighter, crunchier bite.

Slaw & Toppings

• Shredded cabbage: Light and crunchy, this slaw adds a fresh contrast to the fried chicken.

• Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint bring aromatic, refreshing notes to the sandwich.

• Pickled vegetables: Adding a tangy crunch from pickled carrots or radishes is a great way to cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

Sauces & Condiments

• Chili mayo: Combining mayonnaise, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime results in a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together.

Bun

A soft brioche bun or any slightly sweet, soft bread works best to complement the richness of the chicken and the tangy sauces. Toasting it lightly helps add structure while keeping it soft enough to handle the generous fillings.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make It at Home

Making a Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich at home is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth the effort.

Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken thighs in a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a little brown sugar. Let it sit for at least an hour—overnight is even better for maximum flavor absorption.

Prepare the Crispy Coating

For the crispy coating, mix flour, cornstarch, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, lightly beat an egg and season it with a pinch of paprika for color. Coat each piece of marinated chicken first in the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coat.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Carefully drop the chicken into the hot oil and fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the buns lightly and spread a generous amount of chili mayo on the bottom half. Place the crispy chicken on top, then layer on your slaw, fresh cilantro, mint, and any additional toppings like pickled radishes. Top with the other half of the bun.

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

Whether you’re looking to make this sandwich vegan, gluten-free, or lower in calories, there are plenty of substitutions to cater to different dietary needs.

Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for the crispy coating. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free (use tamari), and opt for a gluten-free bun or even a lettuce wrap for a lighter alternative.

Vegan

To make the sandwich vegan, swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or breaded cauliflower. You can also use vegan mayo and vegan sriracha for the chili mayo. If you’re using a lettuce wrap, you can skip the bun altogether for a satisfying low-carb version.

Low-Calorie

For a lighter, lower-calorie option, consider air frying or baking the chicken instead of deep-frying. Using a whole-grain bun or even a lettuce wrap will also reduce the calorie count. Opt for a reduced-fat mayo or skip the mayo entirely for a lighter sandwich that’s still packed with flavor.

Halal

If you follow a halal diet, simply use halal-certified chicken. Be sure that all sauces, including the fish sauce, are halal-friendly or swap it out for a suitable alternative like vegan fish sauce or soy sauce.

Storage, Leftovers & Meal-Prep Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—this Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich is just as delicious the next day. Store the fried chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven or air fryer to crisp it back up. For the best results, reassemble the sandwich fresh, adding the slaw and mayo just before serving.

This sandwich also works well for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken, slaw, and sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy!

The Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich is a perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and bold flavors that will make you rethink what a fried chicken sandwich can be. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve guests, this sandwich is a surefire hit. With easy ingredient swaps and preparation options, you can make this sandwich fit your lifestyle and dietary preferences. Happy cooking!