Award-winning chef Aaron Turner admits he has a love of fried chicken that borders on obsession: “I knew it as soon as I took that first bite of Nashville hot bird—I was a goner.” In The Hot Chicken Project, Turner examines that obsession, making a pilgrimage to Nashville, the birthplace of hot chicken, to pay his respects to its creators and celebrate that fiery bird he loves so much. With its signature blend of recipes, narrative, and pictures, The Hot Chicken Project is a unique take on the history and pleasures of hot chicken. What follows is an excerpted recipe from The Hot Chicken Project, out in April from Hardie Grant Books.
Cold Fried Chicken Sandwich
Hangovers, broken hearts...a cold fried chicken sandwich will fix pretty much anything. And, just like most sandwiches, it tastes a thousand times better if someone else makes it for you.
The secret is to make—or order—more fried chicken than you need and let it sit in the fridge for a day or two first, so that you’re good to go. And make sure you have some cheap white bread in the house—thick cut is best but, in all honesty, any will do.
Makes as many as you like
White bread (the cheaper the better)
Whole-egg mayonnaise
Iceberg lettuce leaves Sliced cheese
Leftover boneless fried chicken (any kind)
Hot sauce of your choice
-Smother two slices of bread in mayo and cover with pieces of crisp iceberg lettuce and cheese.
-Slice the cold fried chicken and season well with your favorite hot sauce.
-Put it all together.
-Repeat as needed.
