Description
This Ultra Crunchy Fried Chicken Burger recipe delivers a perfectly marinated and battered chicken breast or thigh fillet, fried to golden perfection for an incredible crunchy texture. Served on lightly toasted buns with a tangy garlic mayonnaise, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, this burger combines bold flavors and satisfying crunch for a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 x 250g/8oz chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thigh fillets)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 3/4 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1 large egg
Buns and Toppings
- 4 soft buns, split and lightly toasted (about 10cm/4″)
- 2 – 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced (or other leafy greens)
- 2 tomatoes, sliced (optional)
- 2 gherkins/dill pickles, sliced on an angle
Garlic Mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably whole egg)
- 3/4 tsp garlic, finely grated (1 clove)
Coating and Seasoning Mix
- 3/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup corn flour/cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp celery salt (or heaped 1/8 tsp celery seed)
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (increase to 1/2 tsp for spicy ZINGER burger)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying
- 3 cups vegetable oil (or canola or peanut), with about 2.5cm/1″ depth in vessel
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cover the chicken breasts or thighs with a freezer bag or plastic sheet and pound them gently to an even thickness of about 1cm (0.4 inches). Trim the pieces so they are just slightly larger than your buns. Save any off-cuts for another use like a stir fry.
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade, toss to coat well, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Make the garlic mayonnaise: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and grated garlic until combined. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the burgers.
- Prepare the crunchy coating: In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, cornflour, and all the seasoning powders and herbs (celery salt, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, ginger powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper). Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of the reserved marinade and use your fingers to mix through, forming lumps. These lumps fry up to create incredible crunchy bits on the coating.
- Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-based pot or deep pan to a depth of about 2.5cm (1 inch). Heat over medium-high until the temperature reaches 180°C (350°F).
- Coat and fry the chicken: Pick up a piece of marinated chicken and let excess marinade drip off. Press the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture to coat thoroughly, then shake off any excess. Fry the chicken in batches (2 pieces at a time) for about 4 minutes total, turning once after 2 minutes. Do not touch the chicken for the first 90 seconds to allow the crispy coating to set. The chicken should be golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread garlic mayonnaise on the top and bottom buns. Layer the base bun with finely sliced lettuce, tomato slices if using, then the hot fried chicken, followed by sliced gherkins. Place the top bun to finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful burger.
Notes
- For a buttermilk substitute, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled.
- Maintain oil temperature at 180°C (350°F) for best frying results and crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to keep oil temperature stable and chicken crispy.
- The marinade time can be extended up to 24 hours but should not exceed that for food safety.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to make a spicier ZINGER-style chicken burger.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried chicken burger, crunchy chicken burger, homemade chicken burger, garlic mayo burger, crispy chicken sandwich
