If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken sandwiches, you might have heard of the Camperdown Elm in Brooklyn, NY. This cosy neighbourhood bar and restaurant are known for serving some of the best-fried chicken sandwiches in the city. But what’s their secret recipe? In this article, we’ll dig into the web search results and unveil Camperdown Elm’s secret recipe for the perfect fried chicken sandwich.
Introduction
Fried chicken sandwiches have become a popular comfort food across the US, but not all sandwiches are created equal. Camperdown Elm in Brooklyn, NY, has gained a reputation for serving some of the best-fried chicken sandwiches in the city. People wait hours to try their crispy, juicy, and flavorful sandwiches. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Camperdown Elm’s fried chicken sandwich so special and how you can recreate it at home.
What is Camperdown Elm?
Camperdown Elm is a cosy neighbourhood bar and restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY. They specialize in serving creative cocktails and delicious comfort food made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but the fried chicken sandwich is a staple item that has gained a cult following.
What Makes Camperdown Elm’s Fried Chicken Sandwich So Special?
Camperdown Elm’s fried chicken sandwich stands out for several reasons. First, they use high-quality, organic chicken that is brined for at least 24 hours to ensure maximum juiciness and flavour. Second, they marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least 12 hours to tenderize and flavour the meat. Third, they use a special blend of flour and spices for the breading which results in an extra-crispy, flavorful crust. Finally, they deep-fry the chicken to perfection, creating a juicy and flavorful interior with a crispy exterior.
How to Make Camperdown Elm’s Fried Chicken Sandwich: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know what makes Camperdown Elm’s fried chicken sandwich so special, let’s dive into the recipe. Keep in mind that this recipe requires some planning and preparation, as the chicken needs to be brined and marinated for a total of 36 hours.
The Brine
The brine is an essential step in ensuring that the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- In a large bowl, whisk together the water, salt, and sugar until dissolved.
- Add the garlic and thyme and stir to combine.
- Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are fully submerged in the brine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
The Buttermilk Marinade
The buttermilk marinade is another key step in tenderizing and flavouring the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 chicken breasts, brined and patted dry
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
The Breading
The breading is what gives Camperdown Elm’s fried chicken sandwich its signature crispy crust. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the breading mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
The Frying
Proper frying technique is crucial to achieving a crispy and juicy fried chicken sandwich. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Breading-coated chicken breasts
- Brioche buns
- Pickles, sliced
- Spicy mayo (optional)
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
- Gently lower the chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest on a wire rack to drain off any excess oil.
- Toast the brioche buns and assemble the sandwiches with the fried chicken, sliced pickles, and spicy mayo (if desired).
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavour and texture.
- Brine the chicken for at least 24 hours to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for 12 hours to tenderize and flavour the meat.
- Use a blend of flours and spices for the breading to achieve an extra-crispy crust.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil (350°F) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to drain off any excess oil before assembling the sandwich.
Conclusion
Camperdown Elm’s fried chicken sandwich is a delicious and satisfying comfort food that has gained a cult following in Brooklyn, NY. The secret to their perfect sandwich lies in the brine, buttermilk marinade, special blend of breading, and proper frying technique. With some planning and preparation, you can recreate this beloved sandwich at home and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.