Step 1

• Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry produce. • Trim, peel, and cut carrots into sticks (like fries; ours were 3 inches long and 1⁄3 inch thick). Halve buns. • In a shallow dish, combine panko, garlic powder, salt (we used 1 tsp; 2 tsp for 4 servings), and pepper. Trim and discard woody bottom ends from asparagus. (Save carrots for another use.)

Step 2

• Toss carrots on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. • Roast on top rack until lightly browned and tender, 15-20 minutes. Swap in asparagus for carrots. Roast for 10-12 minutes.

Step 3

• Pat chicken* dry with paper towels; place between two large pieces of plastic wrap. Pound with a mallet or rolling pin until chicken is about 1/2 inch thick. Season all over with salt and pepper. • Brush chicken all over with sour cream. Working one piece at a time, press chicken into panko mixture until fully coated on both sides.

Step 4

• Heat a 1⁄3-inch layer of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot enough that a pinch of panko mixture sizzles when added to the pan, add coated chicken. Cook until crust is golden brown and chicken is cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side. (TIP: Fry in batches if necessary; lower heat if chicken begins to brown too quickly.) Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. • AIR FRYER ALTERNATIVE: Coat an air fryer basket with cooking spray; arrange coated chicken side by side in basket. Coat tops of chicken with cooking spray. Air fry at 390 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip chicken and coat again with cooking spray; air fry until cooked through and crispy, 6 minutes more.

Step 5

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey Dijon dressing, and hot sauce to taste (we used the whole packet). Season with salt and pepper. • Toast buns until golden brown.

Step 6

• Spread top buns with as much honey mustard mayo as you like. Fill buns with chicken. • Divide sandwiches and carrots between plates. Serve with any remaining honey mustard mayo on the side for dipping. Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°.