Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

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Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes. 

 

Introduction

 

There are few things in the world that make me as happy as a perfectly made Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe. You know the kind I’m talking about—the type with a golden, crunchy coating that crackles with every bite, juicy chicken on the inside, and a soft toasted bun hugging all that goodness together. It’s comfort food, weeknight dinner, and guilty pleasure all in one.

I still remember the first time I made my own Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe at home. The kitchen was a mess (flour everywhere!), but the first bite made it so worth it. And over time, I perfected a version that’s flavorful, crunchy, and easier to make than you might think. Today, I’m sharing that recipe with you—along with tips, variations, and the best ways to serve it.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving something indulgent, this Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe will absolutely deliver.

 

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Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe (2026)

 

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

 

For the Chicken Marinade

 

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into 4 thin fillets)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½–1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

 

For the Crispy Coating

 

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: ½ tsp chili powder for added spice

 

For Frying

 

  • Vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil (enough for shallow or deep frying)

 

For Serving

 

  • 4 brioche or sesame burger buns
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced pickles
  • Cheese slices (optional – cheddar or American work great)
  • Spicy mayo, regular mayo, or your favorite burger sauce

 

How to Prepare Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

 

Marinating is the key to tender, juicy chicken.

  1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  2. Add the chicken fillets, ensuring they are fully coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 4–6 hours. (Overnight gives the best results!)

The acid in the buttermilk softens the chicken, making it incredibly tender.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

 

This flour mixture is what creates the crunchy magic.

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Set aside.

Cornstarch is the secret ingredient here. It helps create extra-light, flaky layers—similar to what you’d get from your favorite chicken sandwich chain.

 

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

 

This adds multiple layers of texture.

  1. Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
  2. Press it into the flour mixture, coating well.
  3. Dip it back lightly into the marinade.
  4. Coat it again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create extra craggly bits for crunch.

Repeat with all chicken pieces.

 

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

 

You can shallow fry or deep fry—both work great.

 

Shallow Frying

  1. Heat a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully lay the chicken pieces in the hot oil.
  3. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

 

Deep Frying

  1. Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 170–175°C (340–350°F).
  2. Fry chicken for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway if needed.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cooling rack or paper towels. Placing it on a rack instead of a plate helps keep it crispy.

 

Step 5: Toast the Buns

 

Lightly toast the burger buns on a pan with a little butter until golden. This adds flavor and prevents the bun from getting soggy.

 

Step 6: Assemble Your Chicken Burger

 

Now the fun part!

  1. Spread mayo or burger sauce on the bottom bun.
  2. Add lettuce for freshness.
  3. Place the crispy chicken on top.
  4. Add tomatoes, pickles, and cheese if desired.
  5. Finish with the top bun.

And there it is—your homemade Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe masterpiece.

 

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

 

This Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe work with almost anything, but here are my favorite serving ideas:

 

Serve With:

 

  • French fries or curly fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Onion rings
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato wedges
  • A simple green salad

 

Best Sauces to Pair With:

 

  • Spicy sriracha mayo
  • Garlic aioli
  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard
  • Burger sauce

 

Drinks That Go Well:

 

  • A cold soda
  • Iced tea
  • Lemonade
  • A chilled beer

 

Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

 

Want to take things to the next level? These tips will help you avoid soggy chicken and guarantee the crunchiest Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe.

 

1. Use Cornstarch

 

Cornstarch in the flour mixture gives that signature airy crispiness.

 

2. Double Dredge

 

Dip in marinade, then flour, then marinade again, then flour again.
This creates craggly layers—the key to crunch.

 

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

 

Too many pieces lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy coating.

 

4. Use a Kitchen Thermometer if Possible

 

Maintaining the oil between 170–175°C (340–350°F) ensures crispness without burning.

 

5. Drain on a Rack

 

Paper towels trap steam underneath the chicken.
A cooling rack keeps it crisp on all sides.

 

6. Marinate Longer for Juicier Chicken

 

Even 2 hours helps, but overnight is best.

 

7. Keep the Chicken Pieces Evenly Sized

 

This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.

 

Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe Variations

 

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some flavor twists for this Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe you can try.

 

1. Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

 

Add:

  • Extra cayenne in the marinade
  • Chili powder in the coating
  • A spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha + paprika)

 

2. Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Burger

 

Add:

  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning to the marinade
  • Serve with ranch sauce instead of mayo

 

3. BBQ Crispy Chicken Burger

 

Brush chicken with BBQ sauce after frying and add coleslaw on top.

 

4. Korean Fried Chicken Burger

 

Toss the fried chicken in a spicy gochujang glaze:

  • Gochujang
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Garlic

Add kimchi for extra punch.

 

5. Crispy Chicken Parmesan Burger

 

Top chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.

 

6. Oven-Baked “Crispy” Chicken Burger

 

A slightly healthier option:

  • Coat chicken as usual
  • Spray lightly with oil
  • Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes

Not as crispy as frying, but still delicious.

 

7. Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Burger

 

Air fry at 195°C (385°F) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway, and spraying with a bit of oil.

 

FAQs 

 

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

 

Absolutely! Thighs stay even juicier and are great for frying. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless.

 

2. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

 

Yes! Marinate up to 24 hours ahead.
You can also coat the chicken in flour mixture and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour before frying to enhance crispiness.

 

3. Can I freeze the chicken?

 

Yes. Coat it in the flour mixture and freeze uncooked.
Fry straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

 

4. How do I keep the chicken crispy for longer?

 

Place it on a rack in a low oven at 120°C (250°F) until serving.

 

5. Can I make this Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe gluten-free?

 

Use gluten-free flour + cornstarch, and make sure your buns are gluten-free too.

 

6. Can I use breadcrumbs instead of flour?

 

Yes, but the texture will be different—more like a schnitzel.
Flour + cornstarch gives restaurant-style crunch.

 

7. What’s the best oil for frying chicken burgers?

 

High-smoke-point oils like:

  • Sunflower oil
  • Canola oil
  • Vegetable oil

Avoid olive oil for frying.

 

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

 

Use a thermometer—internal temp should reach 74°C (165°F).

 

Final Thoughts

 

Making your own Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe at home is incredibly satisfying—and honestly, it tastes even better than many restaurant versions. You get full control over the flavors, the level of crunch, and the toppings. Whether you prefer your burger mild and comforting or spicy and bold, this recipe gives you a solid, crispy foundation to build on.

Once you master the dredge-and-fry technique, you’ll use it for all kinds of crispy chicken recipes—from tenders to sandwiches to fried chicken strips. And trust me—after making this Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe once, it will become a regular in your meal rotation.

If you try this Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe, I’d love to hear which variation you went with!

Enjoy your crispy, crunchy masterpiece! 

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