Ingredients
Method
Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, half the garlic powder, half the turmeric, half the smoked paprika, half the salt, and half the pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and uniform.
- In a third shallow dish, stir together the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining garlic powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each seasoned breast in the flour mixture and shake off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allow any extra egg to drip away, then press it firmly into the panko mixture until well coated on both sides.
- Place the breaded chicken on a lightly greased wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between pieces. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Take the chicken from the refrigerator, mist both sides with cooking spray, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Hot Honey Butter
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt until smooth.
- When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the hot honey butter over each piece, turning to coat every side evenly.
Assembly
- Spread ranch dressing on the cut sides of each bun. Place the glazed chicken on the bottom buns, add a mound of shredded lettuce, and close with the top buns. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Split the chicken breasts in half horizontally before breading so the pieces cook evenly.
Press the panko firmly onto the chicken and don't skip the 30 minute chill; the coating will stay put.
For less heat, reduce the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon; for extra Nashville-style kick, add more.
Mist the chicken lightly with cooking spray so the crust crisps without turning soggy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in an air fryer or 400°F oven.
For a California spin, add sliced Hass avocado and a squeeze of Meyer lemon before closing the sandwich.
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken with thick, pressed extra-firm tofu and follow the same coating and baking method.
