Crispy and Juicy Chick’n Shack Sandwich Recipe
Are you craving a delicious chicken sandwich that perfectly balances crispy, juicy, and flavorful? Then you’ll love this Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich recipe. As someone who has tried various fried chicken sandwiches, I can guarantee that the combination of the crispy chicken breast, tangy dill pickle slices, and refreshing iceberg lettuce makes this recipe an irresistible treat.
But what sets this recipe apart from other chicken sandwiches is the buttermilk herb mayo. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor with fragrant fresh thyme and chives. Trust me; the herb mayo gives this sandwich the perfect finishing touch.
I must add that this recipe was inspired by Shake Shack’s Chick’n Shack Sandwich – a popular favorite at one of America’s most beloved fast-food chains. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients’ quality and customize the toppings to your preference. Plus, it’s an opportunity to save some bucks while also having fun in the kitchen.
Are you ready to sink your teeth into a heavenly delicious fried chicken sandwich? Keep reading to learn how to make this Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of the famous Shake Shack Chick’n Shack sandwich? Look no further! This copycat recipe will take your taste buds straight to the streets of New York City.
First and foremost, this sandwich is made with juicy chicken breast that is sliced thinly, coated with flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, fresh thyme and chives. The combination of herbs and spices gives each bite a unique and delicious taste that will make you want more.
But that’s not all, the sandwich is also served with crisp iceberg lettuce leaves and topped with tart dill pickle slices, which give it the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
For the sauce, we have our version of the classic Shack Sauce, which combines mayonnaise, sour cream and our secret blend of spices – making it the perfect match for our copycat chicken sandwich. For an added kick, adding hot honey or gochujang to the mayo can bring new life to the sandwich.
And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use fat-free buttermilk instead of regular buttermilk in the recipe.
If you’re a fan of Ina Garten’s fried chicken sandwiches or Shake Shack’s new Korean Fried Chick’n Sandwich, then it’s time to try our take on a copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack sandwich. It has been tested multiple times to achieve perfection just for you – trust me when I say it will be worth it.
So why settle for expensive fast-food when you can make this mouthwatering creation right at home? This recipe is perfect for quick dinners or to add some variety to your lunch spread. Your friends and family will be amazed by how delicious it is, even those who have never been to Shake Shack before. Trust me when I say that once you take your first bite, you’ll fall in love with this copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack sandwich recipe forever.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the steps on how to make this mouth-watering Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich Recipe, it is crucial to prepare all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation process. Here are the essential ingredients that you will need:
For the chicken:
- 2 thinly sliced skinless boneless chicken breasts (6 oz)
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- Ground fresh thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper (¾ teaspoon)
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon)
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup)
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon)
- Chopped fresh herbs (chives and thyme) – 1 tablespoon
- Fat-free buttermilk (½ cup)
For the buttermilk herb mayo:
- Sour cream (¼ cup)
- Mayonnaise (½ cup)
- Fat-free buttermilk (½ cup)
- White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Finely chopped herbs (chives and dill) – 2 tablespoons
- Ground fresh black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
Other ingredients:
- Thinly sliced Iceberg lettuce
- Sliced dill pickle slices
- Soft potato buns
Make sure to have all these items in your grocery list or your pantry, so you won’t have to rush for emergency trips while cooking.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to make this Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich recipe come to life! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create the perfect chicken sandwich:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- First, take 2 thinly sliced skinless boneless chicken breasts and season them on both sides with kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and fresh thyme.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of hot honey.
- Submerge the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Bread the Chicken
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and allow the excess mixture to drip off.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are coated.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat up vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Fry the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Place cooked chicken on paper towels to cool down and get rid of any excess oil.
4. Assemble the Sandwich
- Toast your buns until they are slightly browned.
- Spread your preferred amount of Shake Shack sauce or mayo onto both sides of your bun.
- Place a few dill pickle slices and a small handful of iceberg lettuce leaves on top of one side of the bun.
- Place fried chicken on top of lettuce and add more Shake Shack sauce or mayo on top before placing another side of bun.
Enjoy your first bite into this juicy, crispy, flavorful “Shack Chick’n” sandwich made fresh right at home!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of cooking lies in the ability to experiment with different ingredients and add a personal touch to any dish. If you’re looking to mix things up with our Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich recipe, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
1. Gluten-Free Option: For those observing a gluten-free diet, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and make sure to use gluten-free buns.
2. Vegetarian Alternative: If you want to enjoy the satisfying taste of the Shack Sandwich without the chicken, you can substitute the chicken breasts with plant-based chicken substitutes. You can also go for grilled tofu or portobello mushroom caps as delicious alternatives.
3. Spicier Version: If you love some heat, increase the cayenne pepper in our recipe or add your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes to the herb mayo or Shack Sauce.
4. Herb Mayo Variations: Our recipe includes the classic buttermilk herb mayo, but there are endless possibilities to make it your own. For example, mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives and dill into the mayo for a tangier flavor or add minced garlic for an extra zing.
5. Pickle Options: While we recommend using dill pickle slices for authentic flavor, you can always switch it up with other types of pickles such as bread and butter, sweet gherkins, or even kimchi.
Make these changes and discover your new favorite variation of our Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve mastered the recipe for the iconic and addictive Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich, let’s talk about how to serve and enhance this dish.
I suggest pairing this juicy and flavorful sandwich with a refreshing side salad, such as a simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, some crispy sweet potato fries or onion rings would make excellent sides too! Given this sandwich’s deliciously spicy flavor, consider balancing it out with a side of creamy coleslaw or pickled veggies. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter meal, try topping your sandwich with some crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickle slices and serving it alongside a cup of hot soup.
When it comes to drinks, I highly recommend enjoying this sandwich with an ice-cold beer or soda; anything fizzy is sure to pair nicely with the spice and crunch of the Chick’n Shack Sandwich!
And finally, don’t forget to drizzle some hot honey on top of the chicken patty before devouring it for an unforgettable burst of sweetness!
With these suggestions in mind, your Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich is now officially ready to be enjoyed. Perfect for lunch, dinner or even as a snack on-the-go. Serve your masterpiece and bask in the glory of your culinary brilliance!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the fryer. However, there are times when you need to prepare it in advance or store leftover sandwiches for later consumption. That’s why I have included these practical tips for make-ahead, storing and reheating.
If you plan to make ahead the Chick’n Shack Sandwiches, you can bread and freeze the chicken breasts in advance. Place the seasoned flour mixture and buttermilk mixture in separate shallow bowls. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, pat it well to coat, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
To store leftover sandwiches, wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’re planning to pack them for lunch or picnic, it’s best to keep them with an ice pack to retain their freshness.
When reheating the Chick’n Shack Sandwiches, preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F. Remove the wrapping from each sandwich and place them onto a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Reheat for 5-8 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick fix.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy leftover Chick’n Shack Sandwiches is by turning them into salads. Simply toss some iceberg lettuce with chopped chives, thyme leaves, dill pickle slices, and drizzle with buttermilk herb mayo or hot honey dressing. Top with sliced Chick’n Shack chicken bites or chopped Chicken Shack breast pieces for extra protein boost.
I hope these tips will help you enjoy your Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwiches anytime you crave them without any hassle!
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the best copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich, there are a few preparation details that must be taken into consideration. Although, it’s an easy and straightforward recipe, here are some tips for achieving optimal results and making the perfect chicken sandwich.
1. Marinate for at Least 1 Hour
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least an hour in buttermilk or fat-free buttermilk with fresh thyme, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. The marinade will tenderize the meat and infuse your spices evenly.
2. Double-Dip in Flour Mixture
Double-dipping the chicken breasts in a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, fresh thyme, and cayenne pepper before frying ensures a thick and crunchy coating that sticks to the chicken better.
3. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet
Using a cast-iron skillet creates an even heat distribution throughout your frying process. This guarantees that your chicken turns out golden brown on both sides.
4. Don’t Overcrowd Your Skillet
Overcrowding your skillet will make it hard to regulate temperatures leading to uneven cooking and creating unwanted moisture build-up when too many pieces of chicken are frying at once.
5. Season Your Herb Mayo Before Using
Mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, kosher salt, fresh chives, and freshly ground pepper to create buttermilk herb mayo is recommended to develop flavors fully before serving.
6. Serve Immediately
One of the charms of Shake Shack’s Chick’n Shack Sandwich is its crispy coating over juicy white-meat chicken breast that has not been resting for long periods since frying it up. To maintain the crispiness of your sandwich elements pairs with your favorite dill pickle slices; iceberg lettuce.
By following these tips and embodying patience while ensuring proper cooking techniques are adhered to down to pre-frying steps, you can guarantee restaurant-level success in creating the ideal aromatic version straight from home using this copycat recipe of Shake Shack’s most popular menu item.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s address some common questions that might arise when preparing this Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich Recipe. The following FAQ section will provide helpful tips and solutions for issues like ingredient substitutions, adjusting cooking times, and storing leftovers. Refer to these answers in case you get stuck or have doubts along the way.
What is in chicken sandwich at Shake Shack?
Imagine biting into a sandwich with a deliciously crispy and tender chicken breast filet coated in Shake Shack’s signature batter. The batter also soaks up the perfect amount of heat and sweetness from the Hot Ones ShackSauce, which adds a delightful kick to the sandwich. To add more texture and flavor, crispy applewood bacon is layered on top, bringing a touch of smokiness. Finally, to complete the sandwich, a slice of Monterey Jack cheese is melted to perfection on the chicken, adding a layer of creamy goodness. This sandwich is sure to satisfy any craving.
What is special about Shake Shack chicken bites?
Looking for a delicious and satisfying bite? Look no further than our Chick’n Bites – available in sets of six or ten, and served with either BBQ or Honey Mustard sauce. These bites are made fresh to order, using only all-natural, 100% cage-free chicken breast. And to truly elevate the flavour, moisture and texture, we sous-vide cook the chicken, resulting in bites that are undeniably juicy and tender. Trust us, it’s love at first bite!
Is Shack sauce like Chick Fil A?
As a culinary assistant, it’s my duty to provide an unbiased opinion about the special sauce offered by different restaurant chains. Some people have a strong loyalty towards a specific restaurant’s sauce, but my taste buds have spoken. In my experience, when it comes to Chick-fil-A Sauce and Shack Sauce, the former is the clear winner. Shack Sauce, when served on the side, has a thick consistency that doesn’t make it easy to dip and enjoy, unlike Chick-fil-A’s sauce.
How many calories are in a Shake Shack fried chicken sandwich?
Shake Shack offers a classic menu item labeled as the “Chicken Shack.” This sandwich includes a crispy chicken breast situated on a soft potato bun, accompanied by lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo. It carries a caloric value of 550, with 31g of fat, 7g of saturated fat, 1,170mg of sodium, 34g of carbohydrates, and 33g of protein. The sandwich is a perfect hearty option for those looking to enjoy a savory fast food meal.
Bottom Line
this recipe article to copy the famous Shake Shack Chick’n Shack sandwich recipe, but instead of stating how delicious and savory it tastes, let me persuade you a little bit more.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that a phenomenal, mouth-watering sandwich can easily brighten up any day. And that, my dear reader, is precisely what this recipe can do for you!
The perfect combination of crispy fried chicken breast and the refreshing tangy coleslaw will make your taste buds dance with joy. The flavoursome spicy mayo with hot honey is such an added bonus.
Honestly, if you serve this at a party or gatherings, be ready for people to come up to you asking for the recipe.
Cooking is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about creating memories and sharing happiness. With this recipe in hand, you will impress your loved ones and create moments of bliss that will last forever.
One bite of this copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich Recipe will transport you straight to fast-food heaven! So go ahead and give it a try; trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope you enjoy making and eating this incredible sandwich as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Copycat Shake Shack Chick’n Shack Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 cups fat-free buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus two teaspoons
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Buttermilk Herb Mayo
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 chicken breasts, 24oz, pounded 3/4 ' thin
Dry Mixture
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 potato hamburger buns
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 16 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Marinade:
- Put buttermilk, 2 tablespoons salt, black pepper, and the hot sauce in a large, airtight container. Add chicken pieces; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate 20 minutes or overnight.
- Buttermilk Herb Mayo:
- In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise with the buttermilk, chives, parsley, thyme, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Dry Mixture:
- Put flour, remaining 2 teaspoons salt, cayenne pepper, and baking powder in a large resealable plastic bag.
- One at a time, remove chicken from marinade. Place chicken piece in dry mixture bag and shake vigorously to coat. Remove chicken from bag, and shaking off any excess flour mixture, set floured chicken aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Attach a deep-frying thermometer to the side of large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high, to 375°F Cook chicken until golden brown on each side, about 3 to 4 minutes a side. Chicken should be opaque in the center. Place cooked chicken on prepared baking sheet to drain.
- Dividing evenly spread bottom of buns with: herb mayo, pickle slices, lettuce and chicken, use remaining bun tops to close sandwiches. Serve hot.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.