Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich Recipe

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The Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich is among the latest to capture the hearts (and taste buds) of crispy chicken aficionados. With its mouthwatering blend of crunchy chicken, tangy pickles, and the enigmatic allure of its mystery sauce, all nestled between the soft embrace of a brioche bun, it’s not just a sandwich—it’s a culinary adventure.

How to make Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich

The Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich is a fried chicken sandwich that Jack in the Box introduced to its menu to compete with other fast-food chains’ popular chicken sandwiches.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp hot sauce (optional for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Mystery Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tbsp mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp pickle juice
• A pinch of cayenne pepper

Additional:

• Brioche buns, toasted
• Dill pickle chips

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking.
   • Marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce (if using) for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator or overnight for best results.
2. Make the Mystery Sauce:
   • While the chicken marinates, mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper for the breading.
4. Prepare for Frying:
   • Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces fully.
5. Bread the Chicken:
   • Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.
   • Dredge in the flour mixture until well coated. For extra crispiness, double-dip by dipping the chips back into the buttermilk and flour mixture again.
6. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
   • Place the fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
7. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Spread a generous amount of the mystery sauce on the bottom bun.
   • Place the fried chicken in the sauce, add a layer of pickles, and top with the top half of the bun.

Tips for Perfect Execution:

• Uniform Thickness: Ensuring your chicken breasts are an even thickness is crucial for even cooking and a juicy result.
• Temperature is Key: A thermometer keeps the oil at the right temperature. Too hot, and the coating burns before the chicken is done; too low, and the chicken becomes oily.
• Resting the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes for the juices to redistribute.
• Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to suit your palate better. Do you want more pickle juice? Spicier? It’s all up to you.

What to serve with

Pairing your homemade Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich with the right sides can elevate your meal from simply satisfying to a memorable feast.

1. Seasoned Curly Fries: Jack in the Box is well-known for its unique seasoned curly fries, and they make the perfect crunchy, savory side to your Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich. You can purchase pre-made curly fries and bake them as per instructions or make them from scratch by spiralizing potatoes and tossing them with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt before frying.

2. Crispy Onion Rings: For those who cherish the crunch, onion rings offer a delightful contrast in texture to the soft brioche bun and tender chicken breast. Dip thick onion slices in a beer batter and deep-fry them to golden perfection for a classic touch.

3. Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw can serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy and savory notes of the Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich. Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing of mayonnaise, white vinegar, a hint of sugar, salt, and pepper to add a crunchy and cool element to your meal.

4. Potato Salad: A side of homemade potato salad, with its creamy texture and comforting flavors, makes a hearty accompaniment. Use a mix of mayo, mustard, diced celery, pickles, eggs, and herbs to bind boiled chunks of potato for a rich and balanced side.

5. Sweet Potato Fries: For a sweeter side, sweet potato fries are a fantastic choice. Their natural sweetness and crispy outside complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the sandwich. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or paprika before baking for an irresistible treat.

6. Pickle Spears: If you can’t get enough of the pickles in the sandwich, consider serving whole pickle spears on the side. Their vinegary snap enhances the flavors within the sandwich and refreshes your palate between bites.

7. Fruit Salad: For a lighter, health-conscious option, a fresh fruit salad can offer a sweet and juicy reprieve from the richness of the sandwich. Combine berries, melon, pineapple, and grapes for a colorful and vibrant side.

8. Loaded Tater Tots: Imagine crispy tater tots topped with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives. This side brings a delightful blend of textures and tastes that screams comfort food, making it a perfect companion to the Cluck Sandwich.

9. Mac and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort meal, serve your Cluck Sandwich with a side of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. The gooey richness of the dish plays well against the crispy texture and savory flavors of the chicken.

10. Garden Salad: If you’re looking for something light to balance out the indulgence of the sandwich, a simple garden salad dressed with a vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to your meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich can be a fun and delicious project. Sometimes, however, you might find yourself missing an ingredient or two. Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes that can help you capture the essence of the sandwich without having to make a last-minute store run.

Chicken Breast

Original Ingredient: Chicken breast is the star of the sandwich, typically breaded and fried.

Substitutes:

• For vegetarians: A thick slab of breaded cauliflower or a store-bought vegan chicken patty can be excellent substitutes.
• Alternative meats: Turkey breast or even a firm white fish fillet breaded and fried can serve as a good stand-in.

Brioche Bun

Original Ingredient: The sweetness and softness of a brioche bun complement the crispy chicken.

Substitutes:

• Potato roll: Similar sweetness and softness, making it a great alternative.
• Hawaiian roll: Although smaller in size, another sweet option could make for a delightful mini sandwich.

Mystery Sauce

Original Ingredient: The Cluck Sandwich is known for its tangy and slightly spicy mystery sauce.

Substitutes:

• Mayo and hot sauce: Mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce and paprika can mimic the creamy yet spicy profile of the original sauce.
• Chipotle mayo: Offers a smoky flavor along with the necessary creaminess and spice.

Pickles

Original Ingredient: Dill pickle slices add a tangy crunch to the sandwich.

Substitutes:

• Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber marinated for a few minutes in vinegar, sugar, and salt can provide a similar crunch and tanginess.
• Pickled vegetables: Other pickled vegetables like carrots or jalapeños can also work for a different but delightful tang.

Lettuce

Original Ingredient: Iceberg lettuce adds a crisp, fresh element.

Substitutes:

• Romaine Offers a similar crunch.
• Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage can also be a flavorful alternative, adding even more crunch.

Cheese (Optional)

Original Ingredient: Some sandwich variations include a slice of cheese like American or cheddar.

Substitutes:

• Monterey Jack: For a slight kick.
• Provolone: For a smoother melt.
• Vegan cheese: For those looking for a dairy-free option.

Breading for Chicken

Original Ingredient: The breading typically involves flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs or panko for that crispy coating.

Substitutes:

• Cornflakes or crushed potato chips: For gluten-free breading with a unique flavor.
• Almond flour and crushed pork rinds: For a keto-friendly version.

Cooking Oil

Original Ingredient: Vegetable or canola oil for frying.

Substitutes:

• Coconut oil: For a healthier alternative, though it may impart a slight coconut flavor.
• Peanut oil: It has a high smoke point and is ideal for frying, providing a slightly nutty flavour.

Final Thoughts

Recreating the Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich at home allows you to tweak elements to your liking, ensuring every bite is as rewarding as the effort that went into making it.

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Mushroom Swiss Melt Recipe