Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

50g plain flour

75g panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs

3 tbsp chilli oil

500ml vegetable oil (for frying)

4 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)

3 tbsp kimchi, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve

1 large ciabatta loaf, halved and toasted

1 Sweet Gem lettuce, thinly sliced

Small handful of chives, finely chopped

½ lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing into one side and opening them like a book. Place between baking parchment and gently bash with a rolling pin until about 1-2cm thick.

Step 2: Set up a breading station: season the flour with salt and pepper on one plate, place panko breadcrumbs on a second plate, and whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon of chilli oil in a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, coating completely, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere well. Place on a wire rack and repeat with the second breast.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot (around 180°C or bubbling when tested with bread), carefully fry the chicken breasts for 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Transfer cooked chicken to kitchen paper to drain and brush with remaining chilli oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Mix mayonnaise with chopped kimchi to make the kimchi mayo. Season to taste.

Step 7: Spread the kimchi mayo over one side of each toasted ciabatta half. Layer with the crispy chicken, extra kimchi if desired, sliced lettuce, and chopped chives.

Step 8: Squeeze lemon wedges over the top, close the sandwich, and cut in half to serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use fresh panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken.

Swap Sweet Gem lettuce for crunchy iceberg or romaine if preferred.

If you like less heat, reduce the amount of chilli oil or replace it with a mild oil.

Make the sandwich ahead and pack ingredients separately for best texture; assemble just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can be more tender and flavorful. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute for kewpie mayonnaise?

If kewpie mayo isn’t available, regular mayonnaise is a fine substitute. You can add a small dash of soy sauce or rice vinegar to mimic kewpie’s slight tang.