Lunch: Nashville Hot and Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

The chicken in this delightful sandwich is brined in spicy dill pickle juice, then fried and tossed with schmaltz (chicken fat) and Korean chile powder. At Leghorn in Chicago, chef Jared Van Camp makes his own pickles, but he suggests using Tabasco's dill

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. brine from jarred spicy dill pickles
Sliced spicy dill pickles
8 boneless chicken thighs with skin
1/4 c. schmaltz (rendered chicken fat; see Note)
1/2 c. gochugaru (Korean chile powder)
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
kosher salt
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. ground white pepper
2 tsp. sweet paprika
canola oil
8 slice white sandwich bread

Instructions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the pickle brine and the chicken thighs. Seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the schmaltz with the gochugaru, sugar, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of the cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and pat dry. In a shallow bowl, whisk the flour with the white pepper, paprika, 1 tablespoon of salt, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cayenne.
Set a rack over a baking sheet. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1/3 inch of oil until shimmering. Dredge half of the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Fry the chicken thighs skin side down over moderate heat until well-browned and crisp, about 4 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook until no trace of pink remains, about 4 minutes. Transfer to the rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Generously brush the fried chicken thighs all over with the gochugaru paste. Put 4 slices of bread on a work surface and arrange 2 chicken thighs on each. Top the chicken with sliced pickles, close the sandwiches and serve. Looking for more chicken recipes? Try our collections of chicken breast recipes, chicken casserole recipes, and recipes for leftover chicken.