This crispy chicken burger recipe is absolutely delicious! Chicken is marinated in buttermilk and then double dredged in a spiced flour mixture. It’s comfort food that will surely make your belly happy!
I’m super excited to share this recipe with you today!
This crispy chicken burger is one of my favourite recipes to date.
Honestly, it kinda reminds me of a chicken burger from a local fried chicken place.
When you order this chicken burger it comes with one pickle slice on top of the bun. Funny, right? On top of the bun, not on the burger itself?
And should said pickle be missing?
Watch out.
Just kiddin’.
Kinda.
No worries now, though, because you could be whipping up your own crispy chicken sandwich in no time at all (while staying in your cozy pants).
I made this epic chicken burger recipe one day while hubby wasn’t home. I tried it and immediately texted ‘you gotta get home now!!!’ (with what seemed like a million exclamation points).
Oops, no pic of the burger right away, just the message. My bad.
In retrospect, I probably should have thought that through. Like, who texts that to someone?! I guess he was relieved when he realized my message was just about food and not an actual emergency or anything. Hubby requested a second one the next day. Yeah, they are that good.
How to Make this Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger
Full details on how to make this fried chicken burger are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
- Cut chicken breast lengthwise into two pieces. Don’t worry if the cut is not perfect. The flour coating will cover that! Perfect is overrated anyway!
- In a bowl, whisk together flour with all the spices, salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together hot sauce and buttermilk.
- Place chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture. Place in the fridge for an hour.
- After an hour, remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk.
- Dredge chicken pieces into the seasoned flour mixture.
- Dip chicken back into the buttermilk. Then, remove.
- Then, chicken goes into the flour mixture again.
- Carefully place chicken into a pot of hot oil and cook until golden brown on one side.
- Again, carefully, flip chicken and cook the other side. Carefully remove when cooked through.
- Place the chicken onto a brown paper towel lined plate to drain of any excess grease.
- Then, all you have to do is put the crispy chicken onto a burger bun, garnish (if you like) & enjoy!
Oh, see those crackly bits in the flour-dredged chicken below? That’s crispy flavour city, my friends. When these babies fry up, that’s some goodness right there.
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How to Make Buttermilk from Milk
In a bowl, mix ½ cup of milk with either ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes and then it’s ready to use!
Unless you have another use for buttermilk making your own is the way to go. For some reason, I’ve only see them sold in 1 litre cartons so I do often opt to make myself.
Tips for Making this Crispy Chicken Burger
The chicken breast I used was about 8 ounces (or half a pound). If your chicken breast is larger or on the thicker side, you may have to cook a little longer. According to the Government of Canada, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The juices should also run clear. If the juices are pink, then it’s not done and ain’t nobody got time for that. Continue cooking.
Speaking of cooking, a food thermometer is your best friend here. You can use one to monitor the oil temperature (I like to use a ‘candy and deep fry thermometer’ with a pot clip). I also like to use an instant read food thermometer to check the chicken for doneness. Both are well worth the investment (and usually pretty inexpensive).
I love using a soft (not toasted) bun. Prefer to have it toasted? Go for it!
What to Serve with this Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger
- Fries (these Parmesan truffle fries from Spiced would be lovely)
- Coleslaw
- Pickle
- Potato Salad
- Your fave potato chips
How to Garnish this Crispy Chicken Burger
Any of these work great with this chicken burger:
- Mayo
- Iceberg lettuce. Yes! Iceberg does have it’s place and it’s here. Shredded and generously piled on this crispy chicken sandwich and it’s delicious!
- Not digging lettuce? Try coleslaw on top
- Pickle, thinly sliced
- Hot sauce
- Honey
Other Comfort Food Recipes You May Enjoy
- Creamy Baked Beer Mac and Cheese
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Truffle Cheddar
- Open Faced Steak and Cheese Sandwich
Hope you love this crispy chicken burger as much as we do!
If you make this buttermilk fried chicken, be sure to leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed!
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Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burger
Ingredients
- 1 boneless and skinless chicken breast (about half a pound or 8 ounces)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (use ½ a teaspoon if you want less of a thyme flavour)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk (or make your own per text above.)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your favourite hot sauce)
- canola or corn oil (enough to come up to 2 inches up the side of the pot)
Burger Ingredients
- 2 burger buns
- Mayo (to taste)
- Shredded lettuce (to taste)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast in half lengthwise (into two equal pieces) so you have two pieces (one for each burger).
- In a bowl, mix together flour and all spices, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Lay to one side.
- Mix sriracha (or hot sauce) with buttermilk. Place chicken into buttermilk mixture and place in the fridge for an hour.
- After an hour, remove chicken breast pieces from the buttermilk and allow excess buttermilk to drip off, back into the bowl.
- Dredge chicken breast pieces into the reserved flour mixture, gently shaking off excess.
- Dunk chicken pieces again into buttermilk, again allow excess buttermilk to drip off back into the bowl.
- Dredge again into the flour mixture, gently shaking off excess.
- In a large, heavy duty pot with high/tall sides suitable for frying (I used a high sided cast-iron pot), add oil (enough to come up to 2 inches up the side of the pot). To monitor your oil temperature, a candy and deep fry thermometer clipped to the side of the pot (with the tip submerged in the oil) is a great tool to use.
- Heat pot of oil over medium heat. You want an oil temperature of about 350 degrees Fahrenheit.Note: I heated the oil to about 360 degrees Fahrenheit as the temperature will drop when the chicken is added.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, away from you, and cook about 3 minutes per side or until cooked through and the juices run clear. Note: Depending on the thickness of the chicken, you may have to cook longer.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oil (a spider strainer works great for removing the cooked chicken).
- If desired, place the cooked chicken burgers on a brown paper lined plate or a wire rack over a sheet pan to drain of any excess grease.
- To assemble crispy chicken burgers, spread mayo on buns, top with chicken and garnish with shredded lettuce. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use a large, heavy duty pot with high sides (suitable for frying) for cooking the chicken. Alternatively, If you have an electric deep fryer that you are comfortable with using, you can use that instead. If using an electric deep fryer, always ensure you are familiar with the manufacturer recommended operating instructions (as with any kitchen appliance/device/tool you are using).
- Know what you’re doing and always use caution when frying.
- Always place the chicken in the oil away from you. And gently place the chicken into the oil.
- The chicken breast I used was about 8 ounces (or half a pound). If your chicken breast is larger or on the thicker side, you may have to cook a little longer. According to the Government of Canada, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The juices should also run clear. If the juices are pink, then it’s not done and ain’t nobody got time for that. Continue cooking.
- Speaking of cooking, a food thermometer is your best friend here. You can use one to monitor the oil temperature (I like to use a ‘candy and deep fry thermometer’ with a pot clip). I also like to use an instant read food thermometer to check the chicken for doneness. Both are well worth the investment (and usually pretty inexpensive).
- I love using a soft (untoasted) bun. Prefer to have it toasted? Go for it!
- Again, always ensure you are familiar with the manufacturer recommended operating instructions and know how to properly/safely use any kitchen appliance/device/tool you are using.
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
Jessica
It was a little spicy for our house, and we didn’t even add anything to the buttermilk! Next time we will cut the cayenne in half and see how that goes. Otherwise it was so yummy!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Jessica! Happy you enjoyed! Yes, you can totally adjust the spice to your preference 🙂
Laura
Amazing recipe. Made these last night for my husband and he loved them. So crispy and delicious 😊👍
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Laura – thanks so much!! Happy to hear you enjoyed 🙂 We really love this one too!
Kristen
This was truly amazing my husband made his with Sriracha and mine without and both were freaking awesome . Thank you for the amazing recipe of the best chicken sandwich I have ever had!!!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Kristen – thank you very much! So happy you and your husband enjoyed the recipe!!
Michelle
This was amazing recipe! I have been craving a crispy chicken sandwich, and searched for the perfect recipe – definitely found it here! So tender and juicy, and the flavors were amazing! Definitely saving this recipe! I’m off to check out your other recipes now 🙂 Have a great day!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you very much, Michelle! So happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂 Have a wonderful day too!
Layan
I love it! I just scaled up everything cause i made it for my whole family💜 great recipe, very easy and delicious!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Layan! So happy to hear that you enjoyed 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Jackie
Hi Dawn
Can the chicken be marinated more than 1 hour?
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Jackie! For sure! You can marinate the chicken overnight in a covered container in the fridge 🙂 Hope you enjoy!!
Stephanie Salyer
This was awesome and easy and crunchy and I’m so tempted to eat more than one. I used 2 large breasts and was able to make 5 fillets. Added cheddar cheese. Thanks for the great recipe. So much cheaper than drive thru too!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Stephanie!! I totally know what you mean…I’m often tempted to eat more than one too 😉 Love the addition of cheese – great idea! So very happy you enjoyed 🙂
Jennifer T Tammy
These look amazing! I usually buy breaded chicken burgers but I’m trying to do better this summer, so definitely trying this.
Jo Thrasher
SWOONING over here. This sando looks so crispy and juicy!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much Jo 🙂 !!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
I would definitely hurry home for one of your crispy chicken sandwiches they sound fantastic.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Karen! They really are delish 🙂
Philip - Chef Sous Chef
I. could. eat. this. every. single. day. So many amazing flavours, and a pickle with fried chicken is a must in my opinion!
Girl Heart Food
Right there with ya!! Thanks Philip 🙂
Kim
How I love a crispy chicken burger with copious amounts of mayo and shredded lettuce. So good. These are perfection, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
Me too, Kim! Me too! Thanks so much 🙂
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I love that crunchy exterior and the super moist interior! This is one fine looking chicken sandwich.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Kathy! It’s a yummy one for sure 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Wow! I just want to have a big bit of that sandwich right now 🙂 The chicken looks absolutely perfect and crispy. Just the way I like it!
Girl Heart Food
Me and you both, Jennifer 😉 Thank you so much!
Kristen
Oh my, I’m seriously drooling as I scroll down. This is like the mother of all chicken burgers. I’m so making this next week. Thanks for sharing!
Girl Heart Food
Lol! Thank you so very much, Kristen! You’re so kind 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
OMG! I want to grab that burger right through my screen Dawn! It looks absolutely mouthwatering, and it’s been quite a while since I made homemade fried chicken. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Girl Heart Food
Wish I could hand ya one!! It really is quite yummy 🙂 Hope you love it! Thank you Mary Ann.
Marissa
Talk about drool worthy! This is one gorgeous sandwich, Dawn!! That double dredge has me swooning – all of those crispy bits!!
Girl Heart Food
Woo hoo! Thanks, my friend 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Your text is hilarious!! It is so something I would do, haha and just assume my husband would know its about something delicious I just made. But this sandwich – OMG!!! I just know I would be in heaven if I made this. That soft bun, little bit of mayo, and crunchy, slightly spicy chicken. DROOL. I crave chicken burgers like this ALL THE TIME. I can’t wait to try your recipe!!!
Girl Heart Food
Lol! Always about food, right 😉 ?? Thank you Katherine! Hope you love it as much as we do!
Kevin
Finger lickin chicken good! What a crispy, crunchy, double dredged crusty batter to compliment a moist and juicy chicken breast…delicious!
Girl Heart Food
For sure!! Thanks a bunch, Kevin.
Laura
Dawn – this sandwich looks INCREDIBLE! I rarely fly anything (mostly because of mess) but this looks totally worth it, and double breading – brilliant!
Girl Heart Food
Totally worth it! Thanks so much Laura 🙂
[email protected]
I’m with hubby – I would have requested a second one the next day too! You know how I feel about my crispy chicken – and this is over-the-top good!! Have a great week, my friend! XOXO
Girl Heart Food
Haha…right 😉 ?! Thanks, my friend! You too. XOXO
Bernice Hill
I’m absolutely drooling right now!! Gimme a chicken burger any day, especially buttermilk fried!!
Girl Heart Food
I hear ya, Bernice! Me too! Thanks so much!
Jo Vanderwolf
Oh. My. Gosh. That looks amazing! I have never fried chicken at home (I know, what’s wrong with me?) but that is going to change now that I have this recipe! *drool*
Girl Heart Food
Thanks a million, Jo! Hope you love this one! I know we do 😉
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl
This looks finger licking good! YUM! Also, I lol’ed at the story about your husband and the text message! That’s totally something that would happen to me to!! LOL! I can’t wait to make this delicious burger. Gotta have the pickles and maybe even some ranch dressing for me?! Happy Monday, Dawn! <3
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Haylie!! Ranch dressing would be delish! Hope you love it! Happy Monday to you too 🙂
Milena
I will be sure to garnish our crispy chicken burgers with a slice of pickle on top of the bun going forward:) The spices mix here is a real flavor bomb and I love that you double dredge the chix. Since I am not one to fear fried food, more the opposite actually:), these burgers are being added to our menu as we speak! Pinned.
Girl Heart Food
Yay!! Thank you Milena! Hope you love this one as much as we do!! It’s one of our new faves 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
When I saw this one on Facebook, I had to hop over to check out the recipe! This sandwich may be similar to a Big Mary, but I think it looks waaaayyyyy better! I don’t often eat fried chicken, but I would totally make an exception to devour one of these! And love the spicy kick from sriracha and spices!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much!! It’s a really yummy one for sure 🙂
David @ Spiced
Hilarious comment about the text message here, Dawn! Your poor husband probably freaked out. But it sounds like it all worked out in the end as he got one of these delicious sammiches the next day. There’s a fast food chain here in the States (Chick Fil A) that makes one delicious chicken sandwich…and they put a pickle on their version, too. That’s it. Just one sliced pickle. And it’s delicious! Although, to be fair, that pickle goes on top of the chicken (under the bun). Your homemade version sounds awesome, and I could definitely go for one of these sandwiches today! *high five*
Girl Heart Food
I know, right?! I’ve had those too when I’ve travelled! Thanks so much for the kind comment and high five, David 😉 Have a great week!
Kelly | Foodtasia
Dawn, you definitely nailed crispy flavor city with these awesome chicken burgers! That crispy coating looks perfectly delicious! Love the addition of sriracha to the buttermilk. Great tip to make your own buttermilk. It’s so expensive and I never finish the carton. Have a great week!
Girl Heart Food
Woo hoo! Thanks so much, Kelly!! You too 🙂
Raksha Kamat
Looks yummy and delicious
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Hahaha! I would freak out if I ever got a text like that! But I’m pretty sure I’ve sent something similar–probably food-related also :). I can’t get over how crispy that chicken is and I LOVE that you used Sriracha. That stuff makes everything more delicious! Have a great week, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
Haha….right 😉 ?! It sure does! Thanks so much Kelsie! You too!