Crispy Chicken Burger (Printable)

Juicy golden-fried chicken breast with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce on toasted brioche bun.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

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→ Coating

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→ Burger Assembly

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# How To Make It:

01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound to even thickness (about 0.6 inch).
02 - In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
03 - In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
04 - Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (about 2 inches deep).
05 - Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick coating.
06 - Fry chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
07 - Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to create the burger sauce.
08 - Spread the sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer lettuce, fried chicken, pickles, and tomato (if using). Top with the bun lid and serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

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  • The buttermilk brine makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, not dry like fast-food versions
  • The coating stays crispy for hours, so you can actually take your time eating without the bun getting soggy
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  • Letting the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better
  • A thermometer takes the guesswork out of knowing when the chicken is done
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  • Double-dipping in buttermilk and flour creates an extra thick, craggy coating that stays crispy longer
  • Let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain that crunch on all sides