Popeye's Chicken Sandwich (But Better)

Fried Chicken:

1. In a large bowl whisk together the buttermilk, 2 tsp (10g) salt, 2 tsp (7g) garlic powder and serrano powder. Add in the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but for best results marinate overnight.
2. In a large baking dish whisk together the flour, 2.5 tsp (13g) salt, 2 tsp (7g) garlic powder, smoked paprika, oyster mushroom powder, and cayenne (if using).
3. Drizzle a few spoonfuls of the buttermilk marinade into the flour dredge. Toss together with your hands to create some texture within the flour.
4. Add a piece of chicken into the flour and firmly press the flour into every piece of the chicken to ensure it is evenly and completely coated. Shake off any excess flour and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
5. In a large deep pan or medium-sized pot add enough oil to come a little over half way up the sides, this should be at least 2” (5cm) of oil. Clip a fry thermometer to the side of the pan and heat the oil to 350℉ (175℃).
6. Gently add 1-2 pieces of chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan and drop the oil temperature too much. Adjust heat as needed to maintain the fry temperature and fry the chicken for 6-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy and cooked to 165℉ (73℃). Remove the chicken to a sheet tray lined with a cooling rack. Let the oil come back to temperature and then continue frying the rest of the chicken.

Mayonnaise:

1. Place the black garlic cloves on your cutting board and use the side of your knife to crush and puree the garlic into a paste.
2. Add the garlic to a bowl along with the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Set aside.

Assembly:

1. Toast as many burger buns as you have fried chicken pieces.
2. Generously spread mayonnaise on the top and bottom buns, adding a little extra to the center since it will spread out when the sandwich is assembled.
3. Shingle the pickles over the bottom bun, top with a piece of fried chicken followed by the top bun. Serve.