If you have a craving for something crunchy, fiery, and utterly satisfying, the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe is the ultimate answer you’ll want to keep on repeat. Imagine biting into a perfectly fried chicken breast, coated in a blend of spices with just the right amount of heat and crispiness, nestled between buttery toasted brioche buns slathered with a creamy, spicy mayo. This recipe balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to create an explosion of flavor and texture—from the tender chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce to the crisp coating that locks in juiciness and packs a spicy punch.
- Chicken breasts: Halved horizontally to ensure even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, giving it a juicy and succulent texture.
- Hot sauce: Adds a kick to the marinade and spicy mayo, deepening the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating, it helps create that addictive crunch.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with flour to enhance the crispiness and lightness of the crust.
- Spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper): They build layers of warmth, zest, and heat perfect for a spicy chicken burger.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly to a golden brown.
- Brioche buns: Toasted for buttery softness that complements the spicy, crispy chicken.
- Mayonnaise and sriracha: Combined to create a creamy and fiery sauce that ties every bite together.
- Lettuce and tomato: Add freshness, crunch, and juicy balance to the burger.
- Pickle slices (optional): For those who love an extra tangy bite.
How to Make Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk and hot sauce to create a spicy, tangy marinade. Submerge the chicken pieces in this mixture, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with flavor and moisture that will make every bite juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This flour-spice combo is what gives the chicken its iconic crispy crust, with just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade one piece at a time and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well. This ensures you get the maximum crunch with every bite of your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces and fry them in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Burger
Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl to create a creamy, spicy sauce. Spread this spicy mayo on both sides of toasted brioche buns. Layer shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, your crispy chicken, and pickles if you’re using them. Finally, crown it with the top bun and get ready for a delicious bite of bliss.
How to Serve Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of shredded lettuce offers fresh crunch, while thick slices of ripe tomato bring a juicy acidity that balances the richness of the fried chicken. Tangy pickle slices are a classic addition that adds a pop of bright flavor and a subtle bite, making the whole burger even more addictive.
Side Dishes
Pair your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries to keep the crunchy theme going. A crisp coleslaw or a light cucumber salad can also complement the heat, adding a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for warm weather meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these burgers with mini sliders for a fun party platter or stack them with extra layers like melted cheese, avocado slices, or even a fried egg for an indulgent twist. Wrapping each burger in parchment paper not only makes for easy eating but also adds a charming, casual touch to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the buns and garnishes separate to prevent sogginess upon reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken to enjoy later. Lay the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To regain that crispy exterior, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crunch. Toast the buns fresh and add the garnishes right before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving for frying, although the flavor will be slightly different. Just ensure they’re evenly cut for consistent cooking.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To mellow the heat, reduce the cayenne pepper and sriracha in the recipe. For extra heat, feel free to increase them or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the spicy mayo.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the coating?
Cornstarch helps achieve an ultra-crispy and light crust by absorbing moisture and reducing greasiness, making your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe perfectly crunchy.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, baking is an option for a healthier twist. Coat the chicken as directed, place on a greased sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Just let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into your own homemade Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe—each element perfectly balancing heat, crunch, and creaminess in every mouthful. This recipe is a delicious adventure worth trying, easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. So get those ingredients ready and treat yourself to a burger experience that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a new favorite!
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Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger features tender chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, and fried to golden perfection. Served on toasted brioche buns with a creamy sriracha mayo, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and optional pickles, this burger packs a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and savory flavors. Ideal for a satisfying homemade meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally into 4 pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
For the Assembly
- 4 brioche buns (toasted)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture will create a crispy and flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even cooking and crispiness.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating to adhere well. For extra crunch, you can double-dip by repeating the dredging step.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each batch for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Use tongs to turn pieces as needed to ensure even frying. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Mix well until smooth. This spicy mayo will add a creamy heat to the burger.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the spicy mayo on the bottom and top halves of the toasted brioche buns. On the bottom bun, layer shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, a crispy chicken piece, and pickle slices if desired. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging and frying step.
- Adjust the spice level by decreasing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha according to your heat preference.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for optimal frying results.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken internal temperature for safety.
- To keep the fried chicken warm and crisp if frying in batches, place cooked pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven.
