The Smokie Okie Recipe

This rich The Smokie Okie recipe is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, peanut oil, and a smoky Maple Chipotle Glaze. The result is a fancy, savory fried chicken sandwich that is perfectly crispy and delicious. This recipe is perfect for a special weekend meal or a cozy dinner, serving two people.

The Smokie Okie Ingredients

Fried Chicken:

• Peanut oil, for frying
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Pinch garlic powder
• Pinch onion powder
• A few pinches kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• Two 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts Sandwiches:
• 2 tablespoons garlic mayonnaise
• 2 brioche buns, toasted
• 4 slices ripe tomato
• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
• 4 slices cooked thick-cut bacon
• Your favorite chips, for serving Maple Chipotle Glaze:
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

How To Make The Smokie Okie

1. Prepare the frying station: Heat 1 1/2 inches of peanut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Make the chicken breading: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, beat the large eggs well.
3. Bread the chicken: First, coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, place the chicken back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to get a complete and even coating.
4. Fry the chicken: Carefully slide each breaded chicken breast into the hot oil. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden, crispy, and cooked all the way through. Use a wire rack to drain the chicken after frying.
5. Make the glaze: While the chicken is frying, combine the adobo sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the brown sugar has dissolved.
6. Assemble the sandwich: Spread the garlic mayonnaise on the top and bottom of each toasted brioche bun. Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom bun and drizzle generously with the Maple Chipotle Glaze. Top with the sliced tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, and two slices of bacon. Add the top bun and serve immediately with your favorite chips.

Recipe Tips

• Use a thermometer: For perfectly cooked and crispy fried chicken, a deep-fry thermometer is essential. It helps you maintain a consistent oil temperature, which prevents the chicken from getting greasy or burning.
• Double-dredge for crispiness: The double-dredging method (flour, egg, then flour again) creates a thicker, crispier crust that stands up to the glaze without becoming soggy.
• The Glaze is Everything: The Maple Chipotle Glaze is the star of this sandwich. The adobo sauce from the can of chipotles provides a smoky heat that is balanced perfectly by the sweet maple syrup and brown sugar.
• Don’t skip the wire rack: Draining the chicken on a wire rack allows air to circulate, keeping the bottom of the chicken crispy. If you place it on a paper towel-lined plate, the bottom will get soggy.

What To Serve The Smokie Okie

This savory fried chicken sandwich is a complete meal on its own. It’s traditionally served with your favorite chips, but you could also pair it with a crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a heartier side, serve it with a potato salad or a side of mac and cheese.

How To Store The Smokie Okie Leftovers

• Refrigerate: The fried chicken is best served fresh. Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The buns and vegetables should be stored separately.
• Reheat: To get the chicken crispy again, reheat it in a 400°F (200°C) oven or an air fryer for a few minutes until it is hot and crisp. Do not microwave it, as it will become soggy.

The Smokie Okie Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 1050 kcal
• Total Fat: 65g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 75g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 40g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the Maple Chipotle Glaze in advance? Yes, the glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling it on the sandwich.
• Can I use a different oil for frying? Yes, a neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil are all good alternatives to peanut oil.
• What if I don’t have a deep-fry thermometer? You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small pinch of flour into the hot oil. If it immediately sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. However, a thermometer is highly recommended for safety and consistent results.

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• Tomato, Mozzarella And Pesto Sandwiches Recipe
• Tomato Sandwich Recipe
• Tortilla Casserole Recipe