What is a double down, you ask? If you're not a fan of Kentucky Fried Chicken, then you probably won't know what it really is. The Double Down is a sandwich offered by KFC and it contains bacon, melted cheese, KFC's secret sauce, and two pieces of Original Recipe chicken fillets as buns. Here, we try and make our own version of it but be warned... This may even be better than the original double down itself! This double down recipe makes four sandwiches for you and your family to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast fillets
- strips of bacon
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄2 cup of salt
- 1⁄2 cup honey
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 15 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 2 tbsp. whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
- 1⁄2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tbsp. garlic powder
- 3 tbsp. onion powder
- paprika
- cayenne
- 2 tsp. dried sage
- 2 tsp. dried thyme
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- 2 tsp. marjoram
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 6 cups peanut oil, for frying
How to Prepare the Double Down
First step is to make the brine. Do this by combining the water, salt, honey, fresh herbs, garlic, whole peppercorns, and lemon zest and juice in a large pot. Bring to a boil for a minute then remove from heat and allow the brine cool completely then refrigerate until cold. Rinse chicken breasts and slice in half lengthwise, creating cutlets. Add the chicken to brine, making sure that the meat is submerged then refrigerate for 6–12 hours.
Step two involves frying the chicken. Remove the chicken from the brine first then drain and pat dry. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Mix flour, dried herbs and spices, 2 tsp. salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl; pour buttermilk in another bowl. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip the chicken into the spiced flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Dip the coated chicken into the buttermilk, and then back into the flour. Place the chicken on the parchment-lined baking sheets, let stand for one hour.
Heat the peanut oil in a heavy pot or oven until it reaches 330°C. Fry the breasts one by one until fully cooked and dark golden brown, about five minutes. You may also want to fry your bacon strips after frying your chicken breasts. After frying, transfer the chicken breasts to a paper towels to rest.
Finally, build the sandwich. Do this by placing one piece of chicken on a serving plate. Top that chicken with a slice of brie and three strips of fried bacon. Top with a second piece of fried chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy! Tell us what you think.
