This Crispy Chicken Burger is a delicious homemade treat, perfect for when you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying meal. With tender chicken marinated in a mix of spices and garlic, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden, crispy perfection, this burger is elevated with a creamy, tangy burger sauce. Combined with fresh vegetables and soft, grilled buns, this burger is an ideal option for lunch, dinner, or a casual weekend meal. The crispiness of the fried chicken contrasts beautifully with the softness of the bun, while the spices add depth and heat.
This recipe provides an excellent balance of flavors with chili powder, curry, and garlic in both the marinade and coating, while the homemade sauce offers a sweet and spicy kick with honey mustard and Sriracha. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality burger at home with easy-to-find ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken breast: 100g
- Milk: 100 ml
- Wheat flour: 16g (2 Tbsp)
- Chili powder: 2g (1 tsp)
- Curry powder: 2g (1 tsp)
- Minced garlic: 9g (0.5 Tbsp)
- Salt: 3 pinches
- Pepper powder: 0.4 tsp
For the Powdered Seasoning:
- Wheat flour: 32g (4 Tbsp)
- Cornstarch: 16g (2 Tbsp)
- Chili powder: 2g (1 tsp)
- Curry powder: 2g (1 tsp)
- Salt: 3 pinches
- Pepper powder: A little
For the Burger Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: 40g (2 Tbsp)
- Honey mustard: 15g (1 Tbsp)
- Honey: 6g (0.5 Tbsp)
- Lemon juice: 2g (1 tsp)
- Parsley: 1g (1 tsp), chopped
- Sriracha sauce: 2g (1 tsp)
- Pepper powder: 0.4 tsp
For the Bread and Filling:
- Burger buns: 1, or toast bread as an alternative
- Butter: 10g, for grilling the buns
- Cheddar cheese: 1 slice
- Onion: 3 slices, grilled
- Romaine lettuce: 2-3 leaves
- Cucumber pickles: To taste
- Tomatoes: 1-2 slices
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine 100 ml of milk, 16g of wheat flour, 2g of chili powder, 2g of curry powder, 9g of minced garlic, 3 pinches of salt, and 0.4 tsp of pepper powder.
- Cut the chicken: Make small cuts on the surface of the chicken breast to allow the marinade to penetrate deeper, enhancing the flavor and tenderness.
- Marinate the chicken: Submerge the chicken breast into the marinade mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Powdered Seasoning
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 32g of wheat flour, 16g of cornstarch, 2g of chili powder, 2g of curry powder, 3 pinches of salt, and a little pepper powder. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy coating.
Step 3: Make the Burger Sauce
- Combine the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 40g of mayonnaise, 15g of honey mustard, 6g of honey, 2g of lemon juice, 1g of chopped parsley, 2g of Sriracha sauce, and 0.4 tsp of pepper powder. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns and Fillings
- Grill the buns: Preheat a grill or a frying pan over medium heat. Add 10g of butter and toast the burger buns until they are golden brown on the inside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Set aside the Romaine lettuce leaves.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Coat the chicken: Take the marinated chicken breast out of the fridge. Dredge it in the prepared powdered seasoning mix, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the marinade and then dredge it again in the flour mixture.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Assemble the Burger
- Spread the sauce: Spread a spoonful of the prepared burger sauce on the bottom half of the grilled burger bun.
- Layer the fillings: Add a slice of cheddar cheese, grilled onion slices, Romaine lettuce leaves, cucumber pickles, and tomato slices on top of the sauce.
- Add the crispy chicken: Place the crispy fried chicken on top of the vegetables. If desired, add another spoonful of burger sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Finish the burger: Place the top half of the bun over the chicken and press gently.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot: Serve the burger immediately with your choice of side dishes such as fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy: Bite into the crispy, spicy chicken with creamy sauce, fresh veggies, and melty cheese!
Cooking Tips
- Marinating time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinating for up to 24 hours allows the chicken to absorb the spices more deeply.
- Double coating for extra crispiness: If you want extra crispy chicken, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the marinade after the first dredging in flour and cornstarch. Then, coat it again with the dry mixture before frying.
- Oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before frying the chicken. Frying at the correct temperature will give you a crispy exterior without making the chicken too greasy.
- Bread choice: For a classic burger, use a soft burger bun. If you want a slightly different texture, you can also use toast bread or a brioche bun for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 1 Burger)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Calcium: 200 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
- Yes, you can bake the coated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is crispy and fully cooked. This provides a healthier alternative to frying.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful burger. Just ensure that they are boneless and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- What if I don’t have Sriracha sauce?
- You can substitute Sriracha with any other hot sauce you have on hand or simply omit it if you prefer a milder burger sauce.
- How do I store leftovers?
- If you have leftover fried chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore its crispiness.
- What other toppings can I add?
- Feel free to customize your burger with additional toppings like bacon, avocado, jalapeños, or fried onions to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chicken Burger is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy, spiced chicken with fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and a flavorful homemade sauce. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional burgers, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a weekend dinner, or a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.