WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH?

WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH? is a medium Filipino-American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 37 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 3 hrs 4 min

Cost: $17.06 total, $4.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (about 1.5 pounds, trimmed)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup White Vinegar (distilled)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (smashed, skins removed)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves (dried)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (chilled)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch (mix with flour for extra crispness)
  • 1 tsp Salt (season flour)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika (optional for color)
  • 1 small Green Papaya (peeled and shredded (about 2 cups))
  • 1 medium Carrot (julienned)
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (for slaw dressing)
  • 3 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular, for dressing)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (granulated)
  • 1 tsp Fish Sauce (adds umami)
  • 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • to taste Salt (for slaw dressing)
  • to taste Black Pepper (for slaw dressing)
  • 4 pieces Brioche Buns (soft, toasted lightly)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Garlic Mayo) (mixed with 1 minced garlic clove)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying, high smoke point (e.g., canola))

Instructions

  1. Make the Adobo Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, white vinegar, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Stir until well mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.

    Time: PT2H

  3. Prepare the Buttermilk Bath

    Place 1 cup of cold buttermilk in a shallow dish; set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare the Dredging Mix

    In a separate bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Shred the Vegetables for Slaw

    Peel the green papaya and shred it using a grater or julienne peeler. Julienne the carrot and thinly slice the red onion.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Make the Slaw Dressing

    In a small bowl whisk together rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Combine Slaw and Dressing

    Add the shredded papaya, carrot, and red onion to a large bowl, pour the dressing over, and toss gently. Set aside until the chicken is ready.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Heat the Oil

    Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium‑high until it reaches 365°F (185°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 365°F

  9. Dredge and Fry the Chicken

    Remove chicken from the adobo marinade, let excess drip off, dip each piece in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture. Carefully place in hot oil and fry 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden brown.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 365°F

  10. Drain and Rest

    Using tongs, transfer fried chicken to a paper‑towel‑lined baking sheet to drain. Let rest for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Assemble the Sandwich

    Toast the brioche buns lightly. Spread garlic mayo on the bottom bun, place a fried chicken thigh, top with a generous spoonful of green papaya slaw, then the top bun.

    Time: PT3M

  12. Serve

    Serve immediately while hot and crunchy. Enjoy!

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
32g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
30g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg, Soy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH?

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A crispy fried chicken thigh marinated in classic Filipino adobo sauce, paired with a bright green papaya slaw and creamy garlic mayo, all sandwiched between buttery brioche buns. Inspired by Sam the Cooking Guy’s take on chicken adobo, this sandwich blends savory, tangy, and crunchy flavors for a satisfying main course.

MediumFilipino-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 38m
Prep
7m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.06
Total cost
$4.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken in adobo sauce for at least 2 hours
  • Maintaining oil temperature around 365°F for a crisp, non‑greasy coating
  • Ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a thermometer and keep a lid nearby to smother flames
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid oil splatter
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Adobo in Filipino cuisine?

A

Chicken adobo is considered the national dish of the Philippines, originating from Spanish colonial influence where meat was marinated in vinegar and soy sauce to preserve it. Over centuries it evolved into a beloved comfort food, symbolizing Filipino ingenuity in balancing salty, sour, and savory flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Adobo across the Philippines?

A

Regional variations include adding coconut milk in Visayan adobo, using black vinegar in Ilocos, or incorporating pineapple for a sweeter twist in Luzon. Some regions also use bay leaves and peppercorns, while others prefer a simpler soy‑vinegar blend.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Adobo traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

Traditionally, chicken adobo is served hot over steamed white rice, often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed with boiled eggs or as a topping for fried rice, highlighting its versatility.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature Chicken Adobo in Filipino culture?

A

Chicken adobo appears at family gatherings, birthdays, and holiday feasts such as Christmas and New Year’s. Its comforting flavor makes it a staple for both everyday meals and special celebrations.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Filipino Chicken Adobo versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic adobo relies on soy sauce, white or cane vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Substitutes like tamari for soy sauce or apple cider vinegar can work, but they alter the classic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Filipino dishes pair well with this Fried Chicken Adobo Sandwich?

A

Pair the sandwich with a side of garlic fried rice, a simple cucumber‑vinegar salad, or a bowl of misua noodle soup for a complete Filipino‑inspired meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Fried Chicken Adobo Sandwich?

A

Common mistakes include over‑marinating (which can make the chicken mushy), frying at too low a temperature (resulting in soggy coating), and dressing the slaw too early, which makes it watery.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a buttermilk bath before coating the chicken instead of plain milk?

A

Buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the meat and creates a slight tang that complements the adobo flavors, while also helping the flour coating adhere better for a crisp crust.

technical
Q

Can I make the Fried Chicken Adobo Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken overnight, prepare the slaw and dressing up to 12 hours ahead, and keep them refrigerated separately. Fry the chicken fresh, then store in an airtight container; reheat in a hot oven before assembling the sandwich.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken is perfectly fried?

A

The coating should be deep golden‑brown, crisp to the touch, and the chicken interior should be juicy with an internal temperature of 165°F. The crust should stay attached without flaking off.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sam the Cooking Guy specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sam the Cooking Guy specializes in approachable, humor‑filled cooking tutorials that blend classic comfort foods with creative twists, often featuring bold flavors and easy‑to‑follow techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sam the Cooking Guy's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?

A

Sam the Cooking Guy brings a fusion perspective, combining traditional Filipino flavors like adobo with American sandwich concepts, whereas many Filipino channels focus on preserving authentic home‑style preparations without such cross‑cultural reinterpretations.

channel

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