Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A crispy chicken burger is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, layered with fresh veggies, sauce, and sandwiched in a soft, slightly sweet bun. It’s pure comfort, perfect for lunch or dinner, and feels like a treat even when you make it at home. The best part: you’ll make the buns yourself, giving your burger an extra special touch.
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Ingredients (Makes about 4 burgers)
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally (to make thinner fillets)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Buns
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp warm milk
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Toppings & Sauce (Your Choice)
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, pickles
Mayonnaise, ketchup, or your favorite burger sauce
- Cheese slices (optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Buns (Day Before or Morning)
1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast, let sit ~5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a larger bowl, combine water, sugar, butter, and salt. Then stir in yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
6. Punch down the dough and divide into 4–6 equal pieces (depending on burger size).
7. Shape each piece into a bun and place on a baking tray lined with parchment.
8. Let buns rise again ~30 minutes until puffed.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
10. Brush tops with beaten egg (egg wash) for a shiny finish.
11. Bake buns 15–18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool on rack.
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2. Marinate the Chicken
- Season both sides of each chicken piece with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Place them in a bowl or zip-top bag, pour in buttermilk, cover.
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours). This helps tenderize and flavor the meat.
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3. Bread & Fry the Chicken
1. Prepare 2 shallow dishes: one with flour, and another mixing cornmeal / breadcrumbs + a pinch of salt & pepper.
2. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off.
3. Dredge one side in flour, then press into the cornmeal mixture, coating well. Flip and coat the other side.
4. Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan so that it’s enough to shallow fry (about ¼ – ½” deep).
5. Fry on medium heat ~5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
6. Place cooked chicken on paper towels or wire rack to drain excess oil.
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4. Assemble the Burger
1. Slice your homemade buns open horizontally.
2. On the bottom half, spread some mayonnaise or your sauce.
3. Add lettuce, tomato slices, onion, pickles as you like.
4. Place the crispy chicken fillet on top.
5. If you want cheese, put a slice while chicken is hot so it melts slightly.
6. Add a bit more sauce on the top bun, and close it.
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Tips & Tricks for the Best Crispy Chicken Burger
- Dry the chicken slightly after marinating so coating sticks better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Give pieces space to crisp.
Medium heat works better than high heat — it cooks through without burning.
- Use a wire rack over paper towels if possible — better airflow and crisping.
- Rest the burger for a few minutes after assembling before biting — sauces settle and avoid sogginess.
- You can air-fry instead by spraying a bit of oil and cooking at 375°F / 190°C for ~15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crispy fries or curly fries
- Add coleslaw or corn on the side
- Pair with a cold drink — lemonade, iced tea, or soda
This burger works equally well for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat. Your homemade buns will elevate the whole experience — people will think you bought it from a fancy burger joint.
Enjoy the process! Cooking is part of the fun. Play your favorite tunes, get messy with the breading, and savor every bite.