Crispy Caper Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe

By
María del Mar Cuadra
A headshot of Maria del Mar Cuadra, a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
María del Mar Cuadra
María del Mar Cuadra is a food stylist, recipe developer, and art director. She has written three cookbooks and worked for America's Test Kitchen.
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Updated August 30, 2018
20120206-127677-Sandwiched-Caper-Chicken-Mayo-PRIMARY.jpg

Feel free to use your favorite brand of store-bought mayo here, but really, the homemade kind is so much better.

You'll need a 2.5 ounce jar of nonpareil capers for this recipe.

Recipe Details

Crispy Caper Chicken Sandwich with Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe

Active 40 mins
Total 40 mins
Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken
  • 3 slices white sandwich bread, torn into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and chilled
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 6 tablespoons nonpareil capers, drained
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 4 thin-cut chicken cutlets
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  •  
  • For the Mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  •  
  • For the Assembly
  • 4 sturdy rolls, split in half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions

  1. For the Chicken: Pulse bread, 2 tablespoons butter, lemon zest, garlic, 2 tablespoons capers, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in food processor until mixture becomes fine crumbs. Transfer to plate.

  2. Place flour in second plate.

  3. Beat eggs in large shallow dish or pie plate.

  4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, then press into bread crumb mixture to evenly coat. Transfer breaded cutlets to plate and allow to set 5 minutes.

  5. Meanwhile, line baking sheet with 2 layers paper towels. Heat half of oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just beginning to smoke. Add remaining 1/4 cup capers and fry until puffed and golden, 2 to 3 minutes. With spatula, transfer to prepared baking sheet.

  6. Add 2 cutlets to now empty skillet and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to prepared tray.

  7. Discard oil, wipe out skillet, and add remaining oil. Heat until just smoking. Repeat cooking procedure with remaining 2 cutlets.

  8. For the Mayonnaise: In large bowl, whisk together yolks, mustard, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and lemon juice. In a slow, steady stream, pour in oil while whisking quickly and vigorously until mixture is smooth and creamy.

  9. To Assemble: Discard oil and wipe out skillet. Spread cut sides of rolls with butter. Arrange 2 rolls butter-side down on skillet and toast over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining rolls.

  10. Arrange one cutlet in each roll, spread with mayo, and sprinkle with fried capers. Serve.

Special equipment

food processor, large plates, large shallow dish or pie plate, large nonstick skillet, spatula, baking sheet, paper towels

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