Applebee’s New Chicken Sandwich: Copycat Recipe & Review!
Applebee’s has thrown its hat into the chicken sandwich ring, and it’s causing quite a stir! Their new crispy chicken sandwich is quickly becoming a fan favorite, boasting a unique blend of flavors and textures that sets it apart from the competition. If you’re craving this delicious sandwich but don’t want to head to Applebee’s every time, or maybe you want to experiment with your own twist, you’re in the right place. We’ll not only dissect what makes this sandwich so good, but also provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to recreating it at home. Plus, we’ll give you our honest review of the original Applebee’s sandwich to help you compare your homemade version.
## What Makes Applebee’s Chicken Sandwich Special?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the components that contribute to the Applebee’s chicken sandwich’s deliciousness:
* **The Chicken:** The star of the show! It’s a crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast that provides the foundation for the entire sandwich.
* **The Bun:** A soft, toasted brioche bun that offers a subtle sweetness and a delightful chewiness.
* **The Sauce:** A creamy, tangy sauce that adds a burst of flavor and ties all the elements together. It’s often a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and other secret ingredients.
* **The Toppings:** Typically, lettuce, tomato, and pickles provide freshness, crunch, and a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
## Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This recipe aims to replicate the key elements of the Applebee’s chicken sandwich, allowing you to enjoy a similar experience from the comfort of your own kitchen. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and sauces to your personal preferences.
**Yields:** 2 Sandwiches
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
* **For the Sandwich:**
* 2 brioche buns, split
* 2 cups shredded lettuce
* 1 Roma tomato, sliced
* Dill pickle chips
* Butter, for toasting buns
**Equipment:**
* Shallow dishes or bowls
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Tongs
* Paper towels
* Small bowl
* Butter knife
**Instructions**
**Getting Started:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken Marinade:** In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. **Prepare the Breading:** In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy coating.
5. **Prepare the Toppings:** Wash and dry the lettuce and tomato. Slice the tomato into thin rounds. Set aside the pickle chips.
**Cooking the Chicken:**
1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it is cooked through.
2. **Bread the Chicken:** Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Double dredging is optional, dip back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture for an extra thick and crispy coating.
3. **Fry the Chicken:** Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. **Drain the Chicken:** Remove the fried chicken breasts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.
**Assembling the Sandwiches:**
1. **Toast the Buns:** Lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast them in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and flavor to the sandwich.
2. **Spread the Sauce:** Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bun.
3. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickle chips.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Place the top half of the bun on top of the toppings and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s chicken sandwich!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chicken Marinade:** Experiment with different flavors in the chicken marinade. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a unique twist.
* **Breading:** For an extra crispy coating, try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs in addition to the flour. You can also add different spices to the breading, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.
* **Sauce:** Customize the sauce to your liking. Add a pinch of sugar for extra sweetness, a dash of vinegar for extra tang, or some chopped herbs for extra flavor. You can also try using different types of mustard, such as honey mustard or spicy brown mustard.
* **Cheese:** Add a slice of your favorite cheese to the sandwich, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Spicy Version:** Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken breading and the sauce for a spicier version of the sandwich. You can also add some sliced jalapenos to the sandwich.
* **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
## Applebee’s Chicken Sandwich Review: The Real Deal
Now that we’ve covered the copycat recipe, let’s talk about the actual Applebee’s chicken sandwich. We tried it to give you a comparison point for your homemade version.
**Our Verdict:**
The Applebee’s chicken sandwich is, overall, a solid contender in the chicken sandwich wars. Here’s a breakdown of our experience:
* **Chicken Quality:** The chicken breast was impressively juicy and tender, a key element often missing in fast-food chicken sandwiches. The breading was crispy, providing a satisfying crunch. However, we felt the seasoning could have been a bit bolder. It was good, but not particularly memorable.
* **Bun:** The brioche bun was soft and slightly sweet, complementing the savory chicken well. It held up nicely to the sauce and toppings without becoming soggy.
* **Sauce:** The sauce was a definite highlight. It was creamy, tangy, and had a subtle sweetness that tied everything together. We detected hints of mustard and perhaps a touch of honey. It was well-balanced and flavorful.
* **Toppings:** The lettuce and tomato were fresh and crisp, adding a refreshing element to the sandwich. The pickles provided a nice tangy crunch.
* **Overall Impression:** The Applebee’s chicken sandwich is a well-executed and enjoyable sandwich. It’s a good balance of flavors and textures, and it’s definitely worth trying. However, it’s not necessarily groundbreaking or revolutionary. It’s a solid, reliable option when you’re craving a crispy chicken sandwich.
**Pros:**
* Juicy and tender chicken breast
* Crispy breading
* Delicious and well-balanced sauce
* Fresh toppings
* Good quality bun
**Cons:**
* Chicken seasoning could be bolder
* Not particularly unique or innovative
* Potentially high in calories and fat
## Homemade vs. Applebee’s: Which is Better?
Ultimately, the answer depends on your priorities. The Applebee’s chicken sandwich offers convenience and consistency. You know what you’re getting, and you don’t have to do any cooking.
However, the homemade version offers several advantages:
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the ingredients and seasonings, allowing you to create a sandwich that perfectly suits your taste.
* **Quality Control:** You can choose high-quality ingredients and ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection.
* **Healthier Option:** You can use healthier cooking methods, such as air frying, and control the amount of oil and salt used.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own chicken sandwich can be more affordable than buying it at a restaurant, especially if you’re making multiple sandwiches.
**Conclusion:**
The Applebee’s chicken sandwich is a tasty and satisfying option, but with our copycat recipe, you can easily recreate it at home and even customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer the convenience of the restaurant version or the control and creativity of the homemade version, one thing is certain: the chicken sandwich wars are here to stay, and there’s never been a better time to enjoy a delicious, crispy chicken sandwich!
Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and let us know in the comments how your homemade Applebee’s chicken sandwich turns out! Bon appétit!