Crispy Chicken Burger

This Crispy Chicken Burger combines perfectly seasoned and fried chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce, fresh toppings, and a soft bun for a truly satisfying bite. With double-dredged chicken marinated in buttermilk for maximum juiciness and fried to a golden crisp, this burger hits every note of flavor and texture. Add your favorite toppings like pickles, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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Ingredients

• Chicken and Oil:
• 4 small chicken breasts (or 2 large ones cut in half)
• 32 ounces vegetable oil (for frying)
• Chicken Marinade:
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Breading Mixture:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
• Toppings:
• 4 large hamburger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• ½ head iceberg lettuce
• 8 pickle slices
• Crispy Chicken Sauce:
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:

• Wrap chicken breasts in plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch.

2. Marinade:

• In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours if possible. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.

3. Bread the Chicken:

• Add 1 cup of flour to the marinade and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine all breading ingredients. Transfer this mixture to a plate or shallow bowl for easy coating.

4. Frying:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Take one piece of chicken at a time and dredge it first in the marinade-flour mixture, then in the breading mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly. Repeat the dipping process twice for an extra crispy coating.
• Place chicken in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for about 8 minutes, then flip and fry for another 7 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.

5. Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, paprika, and black pepper until smooth.

6. Assemble the Burger:

• Spread sauce on the top half of each bun. On the bottom half, layer pickles, crispy chicken, cheddar cheese, tomato slices, and lettuce. Top with the sauced bun and enjoy!

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Tips for the Perfect Crispy Chicken Burger

• Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For a super crispy coating, dredge each piece of chicken twice in the marinade and breading mixtures.
• Heat Control: Fry at a steady medium heat to cook the chicken through without burning the outside.
• Toppings: Fresh lettuce and tomatoes add coolness and crunch. Use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar or provolone.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the sauce in advance and let it chill in the fridge to develop even more flavor.

This crispy chicken burger is a delightful treat, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings where you want to impress with a homemade classic!