Chicken Big Mac

Ingredients for 1 Chicken Big Mac:

For the Cornmeal Buns:

• 100g cornmeal
• 150g all-purpose flour
• 1 packet of baker's yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 120ml warm water
• 1 egg (for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the dough)

For the Chicken Big Mac:

• 2 chicken croquettes (see recipe below)
• 2 slices of melted cheddar cheese
• A few slices of pickles
• A few iceberg lettuce leaves, finely chopped
• A few slices of onions, finely sliced
• Special Big Mac sauce (see recipe below)

For the Special Chicken Big Mac Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mild mustard (or regular mustard if you prefer a sharper taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Homemade Breaded Chicken Croquettes:

• 2 chicken thighs (or any other boneless, skinless chicken pieces)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg
• 100g breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 50g flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for moisture)
• A little oil for frying (olive oil or vegetable oil)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Cornmeal Buns:

   1. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
   2. Add the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
   3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   4. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
   5. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal balls (one for each part of the bun).
   6. Shape the balls into small buns and place them on a baking sheet.
   7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
   8. Let them cool slightly before slicing them into three parts: the bottom, middle, and top.

2. Prepare the Special Chicken Big Mac Sauce:

   • Mix mayonnaise, mild mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
   • Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight, for the flavors to meld.

3. Prepare the Chicken Croquettes:

   1. Cook the Chicken Thighs:

      • Cook the chicken thighs in a pot of salted water for about 30 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender. Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into small pieces.

   2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:

      • Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent.

   3. Mix Everything:

      • Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, and milk (if using). Mix well until you have a smooth mixture.

   4. Shape the Croquettes:

      • Take a portion of the chicken mixture and form two round croquettes. Flatten them slightly with your hands to your desired thickness.

   5. Bread the Croquettes:

      • Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
      • Dip each croquette first into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it's well-coated.

   6. Fry the Croquettes:

      • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the croquettes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Assemble the Chicken Big Mac:

   1. Prepare the Bun:

      • Slice the cornmeal buns into three parts: the bottom, middle, and top.

   2. Assemble the Burger:

      • On the bottom part of the bun, spread some special Big Mac sauce.
      • Add iceberg lettuce, a few pickle slices, and the first chicken croquette.
      • Add the middle part of the bun, and repeat with sauce, lettuce, pickles, onion rings, and the second chicken croquette.
      • Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the second chicken croquette and place the whole burger under a broiler to melt the cheese.
      • Finish with the top part of the bun.

5. Enjoy:

   • Serve your Chicken Big Mac with fries and a drink for a complete and delicious experience!

Bon appétit!
Enjoy this version of the Chicken Big Mac with homemade cornmeal buns, crispy breaded chicken croquettes, and a creamy sauce that will delight your taste buds.