Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

50g plain flour

75g panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs

3 tbsp chilli oil

500ml vegetable oil

4 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayo)

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. Cover with baking parchment and gently bash with a rolling pin until they are 1–2cm thick.

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

Step 3: Coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, making sure to cover completely. Finally, press into the panko breadcrumbs to coat both sides thoroughly. Place on a wire rack and repeat with the second breast.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C or bubbles appear when a small bread piece is tested. Carefully fry the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper, then brush with the remaining chilli oil and season lightly.

Step 5: While frying, prepare the kimchi mayo by mixing the mayonnaise with the chopped kimchi. Season to taste.

Step 6: To assemble, spread the kimchi mayo over the toasted ciabatta halves. Layer with the crispy chicken, extra kimchi if desired, sliced lettuce, and chopped chives. Squeeze over lemon wedges for a fresh finish and cut the sandwich in half to serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a drizzle of hot sauce or use a spicier kimchi variety.

Substitute the ciabatta with a soft brioche bun for a richer sandwich.

Use avocado slices in place of kimchi mayo for a milder, creamy twist.

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating without greasiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy, but you may need to adjust frying time as they can be thicker.

Is there a substitute for kewpie mayonnaise?

If you can’t find kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise will work perfectly fine. You can add a little rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to mimic kewpie’s slight sweetness and tang.