Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
If you crave a burger that packs a punch with every bite, the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger just might become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a perfectly crunchy, golden chicken cutlet, marinated in tangy buttermilk and spices, tucked inside a pillowy brioche bun with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a generous swipe of spicy mayo. This burger brings together everything you want in a meal: heat, crunch, juiciness, and a symphony of bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, making this burger at home guarantees fresh, unforgettable results every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger recipe serves a purpose, from building layers of flavor to achieving that irresistible crunch and vibrant appearance. Gather these simple staples and you’re well on your way to burger bliss.
- Chicken breasts: Thin cutlets cook evenly and stay juicy, making the perfect foundation for a crispy burger.
- Buttermilk: This classic marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- Hot sauce: Adds a tangy, spicy kick right into the marinade for depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder: A savory boost that infuses the chicken with aromatic warmth.
- Onion powder: Offers a subtle sweetness and complexity to the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that elevates the overall taste.
- Cayenne pepper: The secret to that fiery after-burn that spicy lovers crave.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in every layer of the burger.
- Black pepper: Adds a sharp, peppery bite that balances the heat.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the breading, creating that signature crunch.
- Cornstarch: Lightens the flour mixture and makes the crust extra crispy.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral-tasting oil perfect for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Brioche buns: Their pillowy sweetness perfectly complements the spicy chicken.
- Spicy mayo: Creamy, zesty, and a must-have for saucy, flavor-packed bites (see notes below).
- Lettuce leaves: Add a refreshing crunch and vibrant green color.
- Tomato slices: Juicy and sweet, they balance out the heat and add freshness.
- Pickles: Bring a tangy snap and contrast that brighten up every bite.
How to Make Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken cutlets, ensuring they’re fully submerged, then cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. If you have the time, marinating overnight makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful, infusing every bite with spice and tang.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This mixture is the secret to that shatteringly crisp crust. Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch blend. Press firmly, so every nook is well-coated—this ensures maximum crunch once fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, filling it to about 1–2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C)—a kitchen thermometer helps, but a small pinch of bread dropped in should sizzle instantly. Fry the chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until they turn a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the fried cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and stay crispy.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the chicken rests, split and lightly toast the brioche buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler. This simple step adds a little extra crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy once the spicy mayo and juicy tomatoes go on.
Step 5: Assemble the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
Time to build your masterpiece! Spread a generous layer of spicy mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, a hot and crispy chicken cutlet, slices of ripe tomato, and a few pickles for tang. Cap it off with the top bun and give it a gentle press—the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra sliced jalapeños, or a dash of smoked paprika on top of the mayo will not only amp up the flavor but also make your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger look restaurant-worthy. You can even thread a pickle spear or mini pepper on a cocktail skewer for a little flair.
Side Dishes
This burger craves classic sides like crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a zingy slaw. For something lighter, try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the heat and richness of the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your burgers in baskets lined with parchment, wrap them in deli paper for a casual, street-food vibe, or stack them high for maximum wow-factor at your next gathering. Mini slider versions are also a hit for parties—just use smaller buns and cutlets for bite-sized Spicy Crispy Chicken Burgers everyone can enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger components, store the fried chicken cutlets separately from the buns and toppings. Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep the coating as crisp as possible.
Freezing
The fried chicken cutlets freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat the chicken cutlets in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. Assemble with fresh toppings and buns for the best Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger experience.
FAQs
Can I make the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce in the marinade and spicy mayo. You’ll still get plenty of flavor without the extra heat.
What’s the best substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This easy swap will tenderize the chicken just as well.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, arrange the breaded cutlets on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. You won’t get quite the same crunch, but it’s still delicious.
How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Place the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of directly on paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a juicier burger and stand up well to marinating and frying. Just adjust frying time as needed to ensure they cook through.
Final Thoughts
Give this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger a try and you’ll see why it’s a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe guaranteed to bring smiles, satisfy cravings, and maybe even start a new burger tradition in your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!
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Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes active time (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger features crunchy, perfectly fried chicken cutlets marinated in a flavorful blend of buttermilk and spices, topped with spicy mayo, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles, all served on a toasted brioche bun. It’s a mouthwatering American-style main course perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Burger Assembly
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/2 cup spicy mayo (see notes)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- Squeeze of lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse the chicken with a spicy and tangy flavor base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This mixture will create a crispy, crunchy coating when fried.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing firmly to form an even, thick coating. Shake off any loose flour.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the oil is at the perfect frying temperature for maximum crispness without oil absorption.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the crust crispy.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns either in a toaster or on a pan until golden and slightly warm to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the spicy mayo generously on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with fresh lettuce leaves, a fried chicken cutlet, tomato slices, and pickles. Top with the bun’s crown and secure if desired.
- Serve: Serve your spicy crispy chicken burgers immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- To make the spicy mayo, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha or your preferred hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired heat level.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mayo and buns to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavor and help tenderize the chicken more thoroughly.
- Be sure to maintain the oil temperature while frying to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
