This Southern Fried Chicken Club Sandwich is the epitome of summer comfort food, combining crispy fried chicken, fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and mozzarella on hearty bread. Perfect for a lunch gathering or a laid-back dinner, this recipe takes advantage of the vibrant flavors of the season. Pair it with iced tea for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken Club with Fresh Basil
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf fresh, sturdy bread (baguette, country loaf, ciabatta, or your preference)
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced (heirloom or garden-fresh recommended)
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 slices bacon, fried to desired crispness and drained
- 2 large balls fresh mozzarella
- 15–20 large fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup (125 g) seasoned flour (Kentucky Kernel recommended)
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 avocado
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) mayonnaise
- Dash of seasoned salt
- Dash of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Fried Chicken Club Sandwich
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness. Submerge them in a bowl of warm water with a pinch of sea salt and let them brine for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pan
- Add butter and olive oil to a frying pan with a lid. Ensure the pan is large enough to fit all the chicken pieces without crowding.
3. Slice Vegetables and Cheese
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella to your desired thickness. Relatively thin slices work best for this hearty sandwich.
- Wash, pat dry, and prepare the basil leaves, being careful not to bruise them.
4. Make the Avocado Spread
- Mash the avocado with mayonnaise and a dash of seasoned salt to create a chunky paste. Set aside. Alternatively, you can use two avocados for a richer spread if desired.
5. Prepare the Breading Station
- Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl for dipping. Place the seasoned flour in another bowl. If you’re using plain flour, add 1 teaspoon (5 g) of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper, and mix well.
6. Cook the Chicken
- After 15 minutes, remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Heat the butter and olive oil in the skillet until it’s hot and sputtering but not burning.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in the egg, then in the flour, ensuring an even coating.
7. Fry the Chicken
- Place the chicken in the hot skillet and fry for 60 seconds per side to form a crisp, golden crust.
- Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and cook for 3 minutes on one side. Flip, cover again, and cook for another 3 minutes.
- The chicken should be crispy, golden brown, and cooked through with clear juices when pierced.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
8. Toast the Bread
- Cut the bread to your desired serving length. If using a large boule or country loaf, slice it into sandwich-sized portions.
- Toast the cut sides of the bread quickly under a broiler or in a toaster oven.
9. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread the avocado-mayo mixture on the untoasted side of both pieces of bread.
- Layer the fried chicken on one side and top it with two slices of crispy bacon.
- Add slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, lightly salting the tomatoes.
- Finish with 5–6 large basil leaves per sandwich, gently breaking the spines to release their aroma and flavor.
- Top with the other slice of bread and press gently to secure.
10. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the sandwich in half for easier serving. This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a tall glass of iced spearmint sweet tea.
Tips for Serving
This sandwich is a meal on its own, but if you have particularly hungry eaters, you can serve it with a side of kettle chips or a simple garden salad. The fresh basil provides a crunchy and flavorful alternative to lettuce, while the combination of fried chicken, bacon, and creamy avocado ensures every bite is satisfying.
This Southern Fried Chicken Club Sandwich with Fresh Basil captures the essence of summer with its fresh, vibrant ingredients and crispy textures. Whether you enjoy it for a light dinner or a hearty lunch, it’s a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try this flavorful dish today and savor the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and Italian-inspired freshness!
