Sink your teeth into the ultimate Crispy Chicken Burger—a showstopper of a sandwich that brings together juicy, tender chicken with a shatteringly crisp coating, all tucked into a pillowy brioche bun. This isn’t just another chicken burger; it’s a crave-worthy feast that’s easy to make at home and guaranteed to satisfy those deep-fried comfort food cravings. Each bite delivers a crazy-good combo of crunch, spice, and freshness, making the Crispy Chicken Burger a new staple in your kitchen lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something so outrageously delicious. Each one plays a key role—tenderizing the chicken, building layers of flavor, and ensuring that signature crunch that makes the Crispy Chicken Burger so irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them horizontally for cutlets that cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Buttermilk: This is your secret weapon for tender, flavorful chicken—don’t skip the marinating step!
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a gentle kick to the marinade; adjust to your heat preference.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your crispy coating—perfect for that golden crunch.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with flour, it makes the crust extra light and crispy.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a subtle, savory note.
- Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smokiness that elevates the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer—don’t be shy.
- Black pepper: Brings a little bite and rounds out the spices.
- Vegetable oil: Use enough for frying so the cutlets get evenly golden and crisp.
- Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all those tasty layers.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, it forms the base of your burger sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a little zing to the mayo, balancing out the richness.
- Lettuce leaves: For a fresh, crispy bite in every mouthful.
- Tomato slices: Juicy and bright, they bring freshness and color.
- Pickles: For that essential tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Burger
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Add your chicken cutlets and make sure they’re fully coated in the marinade. Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or let them soak overnight if you have the time—this step guarantees moist, flavorful chicken with every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend is what gives the Crispy Chicken Burger its signature crispiness and flavor, so be generous and mix thoroughly for even coverage.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pan, making sure there’s enough to submerge the chicken halfway. Heat the oil over medium-high until it shimmers—if you have a thermometer, aim for about 350°F. Hot oil is the key to a crunchy, non-greasy crust.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it in the flour mixture. Press the coating firmly into the chicken so it sticks well—this is where that craveable crunch comes from. Shake off any excess and get ready to fry.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain—this keeps it crispy, not soggy.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
While the chicken is resting, slice and lightly toast your brioche buns. This little step adds extra flavor and stops the buns from getting soggy once you build your Crispy Chicken Burger.
Step 7: Build the Burger
Mix the mayo and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread a generous layer of sauce on the bottom bun, then pile on lettuce, your crispy chicken, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy pickles. Cap it with the top bun and get ready to devour.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Burger
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra zing, try a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of coleslaw right on top of your Crispy Chicken Burger—trust me, it’s a flavor game-changer!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with classic fries, but this burger also pairs beautifully with sweet potato wedges, a crisp green salad, or even homemade onion rings. For something lighter, opt for a tangy slaw or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the Crispy Chicken Burger.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Chicken Burger as sliders at your next party—just use mini buns and smaller chicken pieces. Or, stack two smaller burgers together for a double-decker feast. If you’re hosting, set out a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just keep the buns and toppings separate to prevent sogginess. This way, your next Crispy Chicken Burger will still have that fantastic crunch.
Freezing
Fried chicken cutlets freeze surprisingly well! Place cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating for a quick burger night.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy coating, reheat cold or thawed chicken cutlets in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. Once hot and crisp, assemble your fresh Crispy Chicken Burger and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and offer even more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
How can I make the Crispy Chicken Burger spicier?
To kick up the heat, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use a spicy mayo for the sauce. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce over the finished burger for a fiery finish.
Is there a healthier way to cook the chicken?
Definitely! You can air fry the chicken cutlets at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll still turn out crispy and golden, just with less oil.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?
Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels—this allows air to circulate and keeps the coating crisp. Assemble your Crispy Chicken Burger just before serving for the best texture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Whip up the mayo-Dijon sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s a great way to save time and makes burger assembly a breeze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a homemade sandwich that delivers big on both flavor and crunch, the Crispy Chicken Burger is your answer. Give it a try—you might just find it’s better than anything you’ve had at your favorite burger spot. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
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Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Chicken Burger recipe features juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection, layered with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a lightly toasted brioche bun. A tangy mayo and Dijon mustard sauce adds the perfect balance of flavor, making this classic American burger a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken cutlets to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide the crispy coating for the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place coated chicken cutlets into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and transfer to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns in a skillet or toaster until golden and slightly crisp to enhance flavor and texture.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the mayo-Dijon sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer lettuce leaves, a crispy chicken cutlet, tomato slices, and pickles on top. Cover with the top half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken burgers hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or swap regular mayonnaise for spicy mayo.
- To make a healthier version, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack after frying to keep it crispy.
- Customize your burger toppings with cheese, avocado, or different sauces if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
