Fried Peanut-Crusted Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1

For the buttermilk marinade: Stir together the buttermilk, soy sauce, ginger and garlic powder in a bowl. Pound the chicken to an equal thickness (no thicker than 1 inch; this helps it cook evenly.) Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, and turn to coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 2

Make the pickled carrot-cucumber salad: Stir together the sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the carrots, cucumbers, radishes and green onions, and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (The flavors will improve with standing time.)

Step 3

For the peanut-crusted chicken: Pour enough oil into a Dutch oven to reach 3 inches up the sides. Heat the oil to 325 degrees F.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Stir together the flour, garlic powder and ginger in a shallow dish. Lightly beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish. Combine the panko and peanuts in a third shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip the chicken in the egg, then in the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.

Step 5

Fry the chicken in 2 batches, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to drain. Drizzle with the pepper jelly.

Step 6

To serve, spread the peanut sauce on the buns. Place a piece of chicken on each bun bottom. Top with the pickled carrot-cucumber salad, cilantro and bun tops. Serve immediately.