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Dinner, Lunch

Smoky Carolina Gold Air-Fried Chicken Sandwich

Ninja Test Kitchen
Recipe by Ninja Test Kitchen

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Perdue Farms
  • Prep 10 mins
  • Preheat 10 mins
  • Total 1 hour
  • Easy
  • Serves 8

Hosting a game day party at home or tailgating with friends at the stadium this fall? Level up your menu with an air-fried chicken sandwich that’s bursting with woodfire flavor made on the Ninja Woodfire™ Outdoor Grill.

What makes the recipe unique? Chicken breast strips are breaded, then air-fried and wood-smoked at the same time, which results in a crispy bite and just a hint of smoke flavor. Build the sandwich in dagwood-style layers of veggies and chicken, each dressed with a drizzle of classic honey and mustard-based sauce. One bite of this beyond-basic party sandwich and guests will be back for more!

 

Compatible with

Allergies

  • Contains Milk/Dairy
  • Contains Wheat

Tip: Allergy Advice

This dish contains the following allergens: Milk/Dairy, Wheat

Cooking mode

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Fried Chicken

  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1.2 pounds Perdue pre-cut chicken breast strips
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Carolina Gold Sauce

  • 1 cup yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt, as desired
  • Ground black pepper, as desired

Toppings (Optional)

  • Burger buns
  • Loose leaf lettuce
  • Tomato slices

Utensils

  • Whisk
  • 2 medium bowls
  • Silicone tongs
  • Small Bowl
  • Step 1

    Plug thermometer into the Ninja Woodfire™ Outdoor Grill. To install the grill grate, position it flat on top of the heating element and gently press down until it sits into place. Place Air Crisp Basket on grill grate, then close the hood.

  • Step 2

    While holding the smoke box lid open, use the pellet scoop to pour pellets into the smoke box until filled to the top. Then close the smoke box lid.

  • Step 3

    Turn dial to AIR CRISP. Press WOODFIRE FLAVOR. Set temperature to 360°F, then select PRESET. To set the thermometer, use the right arrows to select CHIX. Select START/STOP to begin preheating (preheating will take approx. 8-10 minutes).

  • Step 4

    In a medium bowl, add all seasonings, buttermilk, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.

  • Step 5

    Dip chicken strips into buttermilk, then place into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press each chicken strip into the breadcrumbs for optimal sticking. Liberally spray each strip of coated chicken with the cooking spray. Insert thermometer horizontally in the center of the thickest part of the largest chicken strip.

  • Step 6

    When unit beeps to signify it has preheated and ADD FOOD is displayed, open hood and place chicken pieces in basket. Close hood to begin cooking. After 20 minutes, open hood and with silicone-tipped tongs, flip the chicken strips. Close hood to continue cooking.

  • Step 7

    When cooking is complete, open hood, remove fried chicken from basket and set aside.

  • Step 8

    To make the sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

  • Step 9

    To assemble the sandwich, top a bottom bun with lettuce, sliced tomato, a drizzle of sauce, fried chicken, and more sauce if desired. Then close the sandwich and enjoy warm.

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