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Creamy Paprika Chicken Sandwich (Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Recipe)

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Servings: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1½ cups crushed cornflakes
  • Avocado oil spray
Creamy Paprika Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Cucumber Salad
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • ¼ cup thin sliced yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
Bread
  • 2 ciabatta baguette

Method
 

Air Fry the Chicken
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 385°F.
  2. Dredge each chicken thigh in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, then coat in crushed cornflakes.
  3. Spray lightly with avocado oil.
  4. Air fry for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking until crispy and cooked through.
Make the Creamy Paprika Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan combine the gochujang, paprika, water, and Shaoxing wine.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Turn the heat off and stir in the heavy cream and butter so the sauce stays smooth and does not separate.
  4. Season with garlic powder and salt.
Coat the Chicken
  1. Add the cooked chicken thighs to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Make the Cucumber Salad
  1. In a bowl combine the cucumbers, yellow onion, parsley, lemon juice, honey, avocado oil, everything bagel seasoning, Himalayan salt, and dark soy sauce.
  2. Mix well and let sit for a few minutes so the flavors combine.
Assemble the Sandwich
  1. Slice the ciabatta bread.
  2. Place the creamy paprika chicken on the bottom half.
  3. Top with the cucumber salad.
  4. Lightly sprinkle with salt and close the sandwich with the top piece of bread.
  5. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips for Best Results: Chicken thighs work best for sandwiches because they stay juicy and flavorful.
Tips for Best Results: Turn the heat off before adding the cream and butter to the sauce. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from separating.
Tips for Best Results: Let the cucumber salad sit for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich so the flavors can develop.