LunchMain Course

Classic Chicken Gatsby

Name: Classic Chicken Gatsby
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: south_african
Ingredients: 400 g chicken breast cut into strips; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 2 cup vegetable oil; 600 g potato cut into fries; 1 pcs long bread roll crusty, about 30cm long; 2 pcs tomato sliced; 1 cup lettuce shredded; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp chili sauce; 2 tbsp pickled gherkin finely chopped

This iconic South African sandwich is a hearty meal, featuring crispy fried chicken, hot chips, and a tangy sauce, all piled high on a fresh long roll. It's perfect for sharing and a true taste of Cape Town.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 50 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 686 kcal

Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

400 gchicken breast, cut into strips
0.5 cupall-purpose flour
1 tsppaprika
1 tspgarlic powder
0.5 tspcayenne pepper
1 tspsalt
0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
600 gpotato, cut into fries
1 pcslong bread roll, crusty, about 30cm long
2 pcstomato, sliced
1 cuplettuce, shredded

for frying

2 cupvegetable oil

sauce

0.5 cupmayonnaise
2 tbspchili sauce
2 tbsppickled gherkin, finely chopped

Equipment

deep pan · slotted spoon · paper towels · wire rack · mixing bowl · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

1
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the spices are evenly mixed into the flour for consistent flavor.
2
Dredge the chicken strips thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
About 3 min
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F).
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for crispy chicken and chips.
4
Carefully fry the coated chicken strips in batches for 3-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.
5
Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
About 1 min
6
Fry the potato fries in the same hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Fry in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature.
7
Remove the fries and drain them on paper towels, seasoning immediately with a pinch of salt.
About 1 min
8
While the chicken and fries are cooking, prepare the Gatsby sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, chili sauce, and pickled gherkins in a small bowl.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Adjust chili sauce to your preferred spice level.
9
Slice the long bread roll lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Keep the bottom intact so the sandwich holds together.
10
Spread a generous amount of the prepared Gatsby sauce inside the roll.
About 1 min
11
Layer the shredded lettuce and sliced tomato inside the roll.
About 1 min
12
Pile the crispy fried chicken strips and hot potato fries generously into the roll.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Don't be shy – a Gatsby is meant to be overflowing!
13
Serve immediately, optionally cutting the large Gatsby into smaller portions for sharing.
About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

70%Score

Calories: 685.9kcal
Protein: 37.3g
Carbs: 44.7g
Fat: 39.7g
Fibre: 5.5g
Sugar: 4.5g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Gatsby is best enjoyed fresh; components can be stored separately but the assembled sandwich does not store well.

Reheating

Empty string if eaten cold