If you have been searching for a truly indulgent and crispy delight to satisfy your fried chicken cravings, look no further than this Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe. With its perfectly seasoned, golden crust that crackles with every bite, tender juicy chicken inside, and fresh, crisp toppings, this burger offers an unbeatable combo of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. It’s not just any fried chicken burger—this recipe delivers that next-level crunch and flavorful punch that makes it a personal favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unforgettable fried chicken burger, the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to provide the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role, from the buttermilk marinade tenderizing the chicken to the carefully blended spices that create that signature crispy coating.
- Chicken breasts and boneless thighs: The perfect mix of lean and juicy meat ensures tender, flavorful chicken that crisps beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture, helping the crust stick while enriching flavor.
- Basic seasoning salt and black pepper: These build the essential savory foundation throughout the dish.
- Flour and cornflour: Combined, they create an ultra crunchy crust that stays crisp even after frying.
- Garlic, paprika, cayenne, and assorted spices: Layered flavor in the batter for that perfect balance of smoky warmth and gentle heat.
- Vegetable oil: Used for deep frying, it fries the chicken evenly into crispy golden perfection.
- Soft buns, lettuce, and pickles: Classic fresh burger accompaniments that add brightness, crunch, and tang.
- Homemade garlic mayonnaise: A creamy, garlicky spread that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken.
How to Make Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
The first step to chicken burger greatness is pounding your chicken breasts and thigh fillets to an even thickness of approximately 1cm (0.4 inch). This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy inside. Trim the edges just a bit so they fit your buns perfectly, and save any off-cuts for another tasty use like a stir-fry. Cover the chicken with a plastic sheet or freezer bag before pounding to avoid any mess.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together your marinade using buttermilk, salt, and egg in a bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces thoroughly, coating them with this tenderizing mix. Pop your marinating chicken into the fridge for anywhere between 3 to 24 hours. The longer the better for flavor and juicy tenderness, but don’t exceed 24 hours to keep the texture perfect.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Mayonnaise
While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise and freshly grated garlic in a small bowl. Refrigerate this garlicky goodness until you’re ready to assemble your burger—it will be the creamy, flavorful glue your sandwich needs.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
Now for the magic mix that makes this the Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe—combine plain flour, cornflour, celery salt, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, ginger powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Drizzle in two tablespoons of the marinade from the chicken and gently mix with your fingers to form lumps. These lumps bake into crunchy delightful bits that elevate the crust to another level.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Using a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). Be sure to maintain about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of oil depth to allow perfect frying without overcrowding.
Step 6: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Lift a piece of chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Press it firmly into your flour coating, making sure to cover all sides. Shake off extra flour and place gently into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Resist touching the chicken in the first 90 seconds to help the coating set beautifully. Drain cooked chicken on paper towels and repeat with remaining pieces.
Step 7: Assemble the Ultimate Burger
Lightly toast your buns and spread garlic mayo on both top and bottom halves. Layer finely shredded iceberg lettuce, add a slice of juicy tomato if you like, then pile on your crunchy fried chicken. Finish with a few sliced gherkins or dill pickles for a tangy contrast. Place the lid on, and get ready to enjoy a burger experience like no other!
How to Serve Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce for crunch and color, bright tomato slices for juiciness, and tangy gherkins to cut through the richness. The garlic mayo ties all the flavors together, making every bite bursting with flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve this burger alongside classic fries or crispy sweet potato fries to match the crunch. For a fresher side, a light coleslaw or pickled vegetables balance the richness perfectly, keeping the whole meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the burgers as sliders for parties or layering in extra cheese or spicy sauce for personalized heat levels. Wrapping them in parchment paper keeps the crust crisp when eating on the go, making this Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the fried chicken and buns separate in airtight containers in the fridge to preserve the crust’s crunchiness and avoid sogginess. Consume within 2 days for best taste and freshness.
Freezing
Fried chicken can be frozen once cooled. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Buns freeze well too if wrapped properly—just avoid freezing assembled burgers to keep textures perfect.
Reheating
To reheat your ultra crunchy fried chicken, place it on a wire rack over a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. This method crisps the coating back up without drying the meat. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a mix of chicken breasts and boneless thighs is actually part of what makes this Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe so juicy and flavorful. Thighs have a slight fattier texture which crisps beautifully.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It works well to tenderize the chicken just like buttermilk.
How spicy is this burger by default?
This recipe has just a gentle hint of heat from the cayenne pepper, which you can adjust to your liking—just increase it up to 1/2 tsp if you want a spicier “ZINGER”-style burger that packs a proper punch.
Can I prepare the coating mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and store them in an airtight container. However, add the marinade and mix with your fingers right before coating the chicken to keep that delicious crunchy lump texture intact.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying with their high smoke points and neutral flavor. They help your chicken develop that ultra crunchy crust without overpowering the seasoning.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about biting into a burger with a perfectly crunchy, golden crust and juicy chicken beneath. This Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe is a game changer for any comfort food lover looking to level up their sandwich game. Give it a try and I promise it will become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.
