The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich from TGI Friday's features a juicy, breaded chicken breast topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy mayo, all nestled between a toasted, buttery brioche bun, offering a satisfying blend of savory flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Wire rack or paper towels (for draining)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (optional, for finishing bacon/cheese)
- Oven or broiler (optional, for melting cheese)
- Toaster or skillet (for toasting bun)
- Small bowl or spoon (for mayo)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- Butter (for bun)
- 2 brioche buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Green leaf lettuce
- 1 large tomato
Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly pounded to achieve consistent cooking and a crispy crust when breaded with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Freshness of the green leaf lettuce and ripe tomato enhances the sandwich's flavor and texture, while using high-quality cheddar cheese and thick-cut bacon boosts the savory profile. Buttering the brioche buns before toasting adds a rich, buttery crunch that complements the tender chicken. Use a deep fryer for optimal crispy results, but a skillet and careful oil temperature control can also work effectively. Your Ultimate Chicken Sandwich from TGI Friday's copycat menu will shine with these key ingredient tips, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Prepare breading stations: flour, beaten eggs, then breadcrumbs.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken until golden and cooked through; drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Cook bacon in skillet until crispy; drain.
- Slice tomato and wash lettuce.
- Butter brioche buns and toast on a skillet or toaster.
- Place fried chicken on baking sheet, top with cheddar; melt cheese under broiler/oven if desired.
- Spread mayo on both sides of toasted buns.
- Assemble: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato, cheesy chicken, bacon, top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich from TGI Friday's copycat menu calls for breaded chicken breasts to be fried until golden and crispy before topping with melted cheddar and bacon on a buttery brioche bun. If deep frying is not possible, pan-frying the chicken on a skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom can achieve a similar crispiness. You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. When melting the cheese, using the oven or broiler for a minute or two ensures even melting without overcooking the chicken. Use paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil from the chicken and bacon, keeping your sandwich from becoming soggy.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and crispy coating. Maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) for perfect frying; too hot causes burning, too cool makes oily chicken. Drain fried chicken and bacon on wire racks or paper towels to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess. Toasting the buttered brioche buns adds flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy once assembled with juicy ingredients.
Nutritions
The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich provides a balanced combination of protein from the breaded chicken breast and bacon, along with calcium and fat from the melted cheddar cheese. Fresh lettuce and tomato contribute vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, enhancing the sandwich's nutritional profile. The use of mayonnaise and butter on the brioche bun adds fats and calories, which contribute to a rich, satisfying flavor. You can control portion sizes and modify ingredients to better suit your nutritional goals.
Storage
Store leftover chicken separately in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the toasted brioche buns wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature or refrigerated to avoid becoming stale. Your sandwich components will stay flavorful and ready for quick reheating in a skillet or oven.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap brioche buns for ciabatta or sourdough to add a rustic texture and distinct flavor to your sandwich. Instead of deep-frying, oven-bake the breaded chicken breasts at 400degF for 20-25 minutes to reduce oil content while maintaining crispiness. Try substituting cheddar with pepper jack or Swiss cheese to introduce a different melting quality and taste profile. For a smoky twist, infuse your mayonnaise with chipotle or smoked paprika to accentuate the sandwich's savory layers.
Allergies
The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, and brioche buns, dairy from cheddar cheese and butter, and eggs used in the breading process. Bacon and mayonnaise may also trigger sensitivities due to preservatives or egg ingredients in the mayo. Your allergy concerns should be addressed by checking ingredient labels or consulting TGI Friday's staff to ensure safety before consumption.
Why this recipe?
The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich from TGI Friday's features a crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast layered with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and melted cheese on a toasted bun, creating a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Its balance of juicy and crunchy elements appeals to a wide range of taste preferences, making it a popular choice among customers. The sandwich's high-quality ingredients and bold seasoning make it a rewarding recipe to replicate at home, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant favorite with personalized adjustments. Making a copycat version ensures you capture the authentic taste while customizing it to your own preferences.