Cajun Chicken Littles from Cheesesteak Factory feature tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken strips nestled in soft mini buns, topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a zesty mayo, delivering a flavorful and satisfying bite-sized sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Shallow dredging dishes
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Paper towels
- Plate or tray
- Oven (optional, for toasting buns)
- Baking sheet (optional, for buns)
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 mini sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Cajun seasoning is key to achieving the authentic spicy flavor of Cajun Chicken Littles from Cheesesteak Factory, so ensure you use a quality blend with paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while enhancing moisture before dredging in a mixture of flour and panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp shredded lettuce to add refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken strips. When frying, maintain the vegetable oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to cook the chicken evenly without absorbing excess oil. Your copycat Cajun Chicken Littles sandwich will be complete with a zesty mayo made by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, and hot sauce for that signature tangy kick.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Slice chicken breasts into strips.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs.
- In another bowl, combine flour, panko, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip chicken strips in buttermilk mixture.
- Dredge chicken strips in flour and panko mixture.
- Heat oil in frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken strips in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Slice tomatoes and shred lettuce.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and hot sauce for the zesty mayo.
- Toast mini buns in oven or on a skillet (optional).
- Spread zesty mayo on each bun.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and chicken strips on buns.
- Top with bun lids.
- Arrange on serving platter and serve.
Substitution
Cajun Chicken Littles from Cheesesteak Factory copycat menu offer tender chicken strips coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend, served on soft mini buns with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty mayo. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar acidity that tenderizes the chicken. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour and crushed gluten-free crackers or certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure crispy coating without absorbing excess oil. You may toast the buns in the oven on a baking sheet at 350degF (175degC) for 3-5 minutes to add extra crunch and warmth before assembling your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays consistently at 350degF (175degC) for evenly cooked and crispy Cajun chicken strips. Use paper towels to drain excess oil immediately after frying to keep the chicken crispy without sogginess. Whisking buttermilk with eggs creates a tenderizing marinade that helps the seasoning stick, enhancing flavor and juiciness. Toast your mini sandwich buns before assembling to add texture and prevent sogginess from the zesty mayo.
Nutritions
Cajun Chicken Littles provide a good source of lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The Cajun seasoning and spices add flavor without significant calories, while the mayonnaise contributes fats, offering a creamy texture but also increasing calorie density. Fresh lettuce and tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support your immune system and digestive health. Opting for baking or lightly toasting the buns can reduce oil absorption, making your mini sandwiches a more balanced choice.
Storage
Store leftover Cajun Chicken Littles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep the chicken strips separate from the buns and vegetables to prevent sogginess, reheating the chicken in a skillet or oven at 350degF (175degC) until warmed through. You can refresh the buns by lightly toasting them before assembling to preserve their texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice to tenderize the chicken while adding a slight tang. For a healthier cooking method, consider baking the breaded chicken strips at 400degF (200degC) on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain crispiness. Incorporate a smoky chipotle powder into the spice blend to enhance the depth of flavor for your Cajun Chicken Littles. Swap mini sandwich buns with soft slider rolls to give your sandwiches a fluffier texture that complements the spicy chicken.
Allergies
Your Cajun Chicken Littles may pose allergy risks due to common allergens like eggs, wheat (in flour and buns), and dairy (in buttermilk and mayonnaise). The presence of panko breadcrumbs and flour introduces gluten, which can affect those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It's important to check for any spice blends or sauces that might contain additional allergens if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Cajun Chicken Littles from Cheesesteak Factory stand out for their tender, spicy grilled chicken combined with a flavorful Cajun seasoning blend that delivers a perfect balance of heat and zest. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from fresh toppings layered on a soft, freshly baked roll, enhancing the overall texture and taste. You will appreciate the authentic, bold flavors that capture Southern culinary tradition, making it a popular choice among fans of bold and spicy dishes. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this beloved menu item at home, ensuring you can enjoy its distinct taste anytime without the wait.