Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Lisa Keys
You just can't beat this award-winning pan fried chicken recipe. The fried chicken thighs are extra crispy, juicy and tucked into a soft, pillowy bao bun. Hoisin sauce, a gingered Asian slaw and pickled vegetables put this sandwich on the map. Do you love southern fried chicken? This recipe with delicious fried chicken seasoning is even more flavorful.
It was 2008 when the Zac Brown Band chicken fried hit came out.The song was an instant Will Keys favorite with its uplifting country beat and lyrics of love for family, friends and the USA. I can still see his smiling face turning up the volume singing it out loud.
That song made him happy and inspired one of my best recipes, yet. Once again I am reminded that this blog is all about a celebration of his life, love and the healing power of food.
Filled with self-doubt, but encouraged by my husband & daughter (#1 recipe tester...she has incredible taste buds) and supported by Team Saucy Mama, I ventured to the World Food Championships Alabama along with my long-time best friend and sous chef, Lynn Beamer.
Never in a million did I think my pan fried chicken signature dish would score a 99.625 out of a possible 100 points. It was the high score of the recipe category. In spite of a few technical difficulties the dish launched me into second place after three recipes and two rounds of cooking. Hats off to Team Canada who beat me by 1.2 points. Who knew years later I would score a perfect 100 with this wild rice soup recipe.
WHOOSH! Don't you know that when I was accepting my Top 10 medal that Zac Brown Band song came blaring over the loud speaker. A Little Bit of Chicken Fried plus a bear hug from above. It feels like William is up on that stage with me. It's the most uncanny thing.
I just believe and all the doubt washes away. I will keep cooking because it keeps him close. Like the song says, "Feel the touch of a precious child and know a mother's love". He somehow never misses a beat when it comes to cheering me on.
Tips for extra crispy pan fried chicken
- Use a high smoke point oil like peanut, avocado, or grapeseed. I also love lard and beef tallow for frying.
- Don't crowd the skillet.
- Heat the grease to 375F. The temperature will drop to about 350F after you add the chicken which is just right.
- Chill the coated chicken at least 30 minutes prior to frying for better crust adhesion.
Why This Is an Award-Winning Sandwich
And now for the best fried chicken thighs sandwich you will ever eat. Asian inspired and served on a steam bun, it's all about the crispy well seasoned coating and the juicy flavorful chicken inside. I suggest using boneless chicken thighs, but you can substitute boneless breast, if you must.
Top it with the most magical black garlic hoisin, spicy slaw and a crisp sweet potato pickle and call it a winner. Oh, goodness-there is bacon in the mix as well. And oh, by the way I also have a great sous vide version of this fried chicken if you are interested.
Pan Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 cups tempura mix
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons Saucy Mama Sweet Heat Marinade
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Lane's BBQ Brisket Rub seasoning
- peanut oil for frying or grapeseed or avocado or lard
- 6 plain Asian steam buns
- hoisin sauce
- toasted sesame seeds
- 6 slices cooked crisp bacon
- fresh cilantro
Gingered Slaw
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Saucy Mama Spicy Garlic Wing Sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro plus additional for garnish
- ½ tablespoon packed grated fresh ginger
- 1 bag Mann's broccoli slaw mix
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- few grinds fresh black pepper
Sweet Potato Pickle
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 cup Mann's Sweet Potato Ribbons
- 1 star anise
- 5 peppercorns
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ⅓- cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Whisk tempura mix and salt on a plate.
- Whisk buttermilk, egg and marinade in a bowl.
- Season chicken thighs with brisket rub. Dredge chicken in dry tempura mix then drop in buttermilk mixture to coat.
- Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of buttermilk mixture into remaining dry tempura mix and stir with a fork forming small clumps.
- Dredge chicken again in tempura mixture pressing so clumps adhere. Heat oil to 375F. in large skillet.
- Fry chicken until a deep golden brown on all sides and cooked to an internal temperature of 165F. on an instant read thermometer. Cook buns in steamer basket until soft and heated through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Open buns and spread inside with hoisin sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Top with gingered slaw, bacon, chicken, sweet potato pickle and cilantro. Close with wooden skewer.
Gingered Slaw
- Whisk dressing ingredients; toss with broccoli slaw. Season with S&P
Sweet potato pickle:
- Place vegetables in heat proof bowl. Add star anise and peppercorns. In small saucepan, bring remaining ingredients to a boil, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Pour hot mixture over vegetables; let stand until ready to use. Drain.
Notes
Nutrition
Big shout out to my Team Saucy Mama. You ladies are my family and I love you to the moon and back. So blessed to have your support and encouragement. I love the year when my egg salad sandwich launched me into third place.
I also need to thank the Mann's Company for their recipe contest that qualified me to get back to the WFC. Their amazing fresh cut vegetables saved me so much time in the kitchen arena. I made it to the judges table with 1 second to spare in round one. WHEW!
rainbowwayfarms says
Wow! Just WOW!! So beautiful! Cannot wait to try these recipes!! I love how Will shows up at times when you need him and when it's time for some credit! Haha! You're doing some really great things thanks to your Will! <3
Lisa says
It truly is the most uncanny thing how and when he shows up. I am a huge believer that they never ever leave us and if your mind is open to it you will see and feel your loved one more than you ever thought
Lou says
Cole would love this sandwich. He’s all about Asian flavors.
Lisa says
Let me know if you give it a try or we will have to make it next time we are together
athomewrebecka says
This is an amazing recipe with almost a perfect score! You rocked Recipe this year Lisa! I love reading about your WHOOSH moments with Will and the joy they bring you! He is always there for inspiration. I love you 💕 sweet friend!
Lisa says
Talking about rocking the competition!! You made us all so proud taking first place in bacon!! I would have loved competing with you at that Final Table which by the way takes place on William's birthday. That would have been some real icing on the WHOOSH cake <3 I love you, too. He will be cheering you and Lynn (his godmother) on!