Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich Recipe

9

Craving that unmistakably crispy, tender, and totally irresistible Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich but don’t feel like heading out? Well, you’re in luck because I’ll show you how to recreate this fast-food favourite right from the comfort of your kitchen.

How to make Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich

The Jack in the Box Chicken Sandwich is a variety of chicken sandwiches offered by the fast-food chain Jack in the Box. The menu includes different styles of chicken sandwiches, from basic to premium options.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sandwich:

• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• Lettuce leaves
• Mayonnaise
• Tomatoes, sliced (optional)
• Pickles, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Begin by cutting each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin fillets. This will help them cook evenly and provide that ideal sandwich-sized chicken piece.
2. Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a flat dish. This will be your breading mixture.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. This will act as your wet dredging mixture.
4. Dip each piece of chicken first into the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated with the breading.
5. Let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Fill a deep skillet or frying pan with enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces into the skillet and fry until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), usually about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Assemble the Sandwich:

1. Spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns.
2. Place lettuce leaves on the bottom bun followed by the fried chicken.
3. Add tomato slices and pickles if desired.
4. Top with the upper half of the bun.

Chef’s Tips:

• Marinate for Moisture: Mix the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for an extra juicy chicken fillet.
• Flavorful Additions: Customize your seasoning mix or add your blend of herbs and spices to suit your palate.
• Even Cooking: If the chicken breasts are too thick, pound them out to an even thickness, ensuring an even cook and avoiding a dry or undercooked center.
• Crunch Factor: Double-dip your chicken fillets for an extra crispy crust. After the first round of breading, dip again into the buttermilk and then back into the flour.
• Controlled Cooking: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. Too hot, and the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cold, and the chicken soaks up too much oil and becomes greasy.
• Resting the Chicken: After frying, allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute and maintains a crisp outer layer when you bite into your Jack in the Box Chicken Sandwich.

What to serve with

Pairing the perfect side dishes with your homemade Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience. While the crispy, juicy chicken sandwich stands out on its own, complementing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal.

Classic Fast-Food Sides

• French Fries: Nothing beats the classic combo of a chicken sandwich and crispy French fries. For an at-home version, slice potatoes thinly and fry until golden brown or bake for a healthier take, seasoning with salt and your choice of spices.
• Onion rings are another deep-fried delight that pairs wonderfully with chicken sandwiches. For a homemade twist, batter thick onion slices and fry until they’re crispy and golden—season with salt and perhaps a touch of paprika for extra flavor.
• Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw perfectly complements the crispy chicken. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots with a mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for a quick and easy homemade slaw.

Healthier Alternatives

• Sweet Potato Fries: For a nutritious twist on traditional fries, opt for sweet potato fries. They can be baked with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and paprika, offering a sweet and savory flavor that complements the sandwich beautifully.
• Side Salad: Whip up a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of other veggies. Dress lightly with olive oil and vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing counterpoint to the sandwich’s richness.
• Vegetable Sticks and Hummus: For a crunchy, nutritious option, serve your chicken sandwich with a side of raw vegetable sticks—such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers—and a bowl of hummus for dipping.

Comfort Food Sides

• Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese makes for a comforting side dish that’s hard to resist. It blends beautifully with the flavors of the chicken sandwich, providing a satisfyingly rich complement.
• Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, with its creamy texture and tangy taste, is a wonderful side dish for a picnic or family gathering. For a traditional touch, mix boiled cubed potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, diced onions, and celery.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating your version of the Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich at home can be fun and rewarding, especially if you need to swap out ingredients due to dietary preferences, allergy considerations, or availability.

Chicken Breast

Original: The sandwich typically features a breaded and deep-fried chicken breast.

Substitutes:

• Grilled Chicken Breast: You can grill the chicken breast instead of frying it for a healthier option.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Vegetarians can substitute chicken by slicing a thick slice of tofu or tempeh, marinating it in savory spices, and grilling or baking it.
• Portobello Mushroom Cap: For a vegan alternative, a large Portobello mushroom, marinated and grilled, can provide a satisfying texture and flavor.

Breading

Original: Flour, breadcrumbs, or panko are commonly used.

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Flour/Breadcrumbs: For those avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cereal or crackers.
• Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a different texture but a similarly crisp result when used as a breading.

Spices & Seasoning

Original: A mix of spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Substitutes:

• Herb Blends: You can use Italian seasoning or other dried herb blends for a different flavor profile.
• Seasoning Salts: Try different flavored seasoning salts (like Cajun or lemon pepper) to vary the taste.

Egg Wash

Original: Used for breading to stick to the chicken.

Substitutes:

• Buttermilk: For a tangier flavor and to help tenderize the chicken, soak it in buttermilk before breading.
• Non-Dairy Milk with Acid: Mix a non-dairy milk alternative (like almond or soy milk) with a teaspoon of vinegar to create a vegan “buttermilk.”

Mayonnaise

Original: Creamy mayonnaise is typically spread on the bun.

Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative with less fat; mix in spices for added flavor.
• Vegan Mayo: A plant-based mayo alternative for a vegan-friendly sandwich.

Lettuce

Original: Iceberg or Romaine lettuce.

Substitutes:

• Spinach: For added nutrients, opt for fresh spinach leaves.
• Arugula: This will give a peppery kick to your chicken sandwich.

Tomato

Original: A slice of fresh tomato adds juiciness.

Substitutes:

• Roasted Red Pepper: Add a strip of roasted red pepper instead of tomato for a sweet and smoky flavour.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: These can add a concentrated tomato flavor and a bit of chewiness.

Bun

Original: A typical soft hamburger bun is used.

Substitutes:

• Whole Wheat Bun: For a healthier, fibre-rich option, go for a whole-grain bun.
• Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb version, wrap the chicken and toppings in large lettuce leaves.
• Gluten-Free Bun: A necessity for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

With these ingredients, instructions, and tips, you’re all set to make a Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich that might just surpass the drive-thru experience.

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Copycat Burger King Mushroom Swiss Melt Recipe