Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken burger—juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside. Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burgers have gained immense popularity for their combination of tender, flavorful chicken encased in a crunchy coating that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these burgers will steal the show!
Key Benefits of Using Buttermilk for Fried Chicken
Tenderizing the Chicken
One of the secrets to achieving a tender and juicy chicken patty lies in the buttermilk marinade. The natural acidity in buttermilk works wonders by breaking down proteins in the chicken, resulting in a super tender bite.
Adding Flavor and Moisture
Buttermilk doesn’t just tenderize; it also infuses the chicken with subtle tanginess and moisture. This keeps the chicken from drying out during the frying process, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Buttermilk: The star ingredient that makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if you like it spicy) adds flavor to the crispy coating.
- Oil for frying: Use vegetable oil or canola oil for deep frying.
Optional Toppings and Condiments
- Lettuce and tomato: Fresh and crisp, these veggies add a nice contrast to the rich fried chicken.
- Pickles: A tangy kick that complements the savory chicken.
- Mayonnaise or aioli: For creaminess, spread your favorite sauce on the bun.
- Spicy sauce: Add some heat with a dash of hot sauce or sriracha.
How to Make the Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, a teaspoon of salt, and a dash of paprika or cayenne for flavor. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour with your seasoning mix—paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This mixture will form the crispy coating.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to cover the chicken pieces for even frying.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken breasts in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove from the oil and let the chicken rest on a wire rack to keep the coating crispy.
- Assemble the burger: Toast your buns and layer the crispy chicken with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Variations on the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger
Spicy Chicken Burger
If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can easily turn this into a spicy chicken burger. Add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture, and for a real kick, mix hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade.
Healthier Oven-Baked Version
Looking for a lighter version? You can bake the chicken instead of frying. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Tips for Getting the Crispiest Chicken
Choosing the Right Oil for Frying
For the crispiest chicken, you need to use oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils maintain their heat and ensure the chicken fries evenly without burning.
How to Avoid Soggy Coating
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Frying at the correct temperature (around 350°F) prevents the coating from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy. Also, let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.
Assembling the Ultimate Chicken Burger
Choosing the Right Bun
The bun can make or break your chicken burger experience. Opt for a soft, slightly toasted brioche bun for a buttery flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly. Alternatively, you can use sesame buns or pretzel buns for different textures and flavors.
Adding the Best Toppings
When it comes to toppings, go for freshness and crunch. Lettuce, tomato, and pickles are classic choices that balance the richness of the fried chicken. For extra flavor, spread some garlic aioli or spicy mayonnaise on the bun.
Serving Suggestions
A crispy chicken burger pairs beautifully with:
- Sweet potato fries: For a slightly healthier and flavorful alternative to regular fries.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy side that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Pickle spears: A crunchy, tangy side that cuts through the fried flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), you can store the fried chicken:
- In the fridge: Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you have time, let it sit overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Can I air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying?
Yes, air frying is a great alternative for a healthier version. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and cook the coated chicken for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
What oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are great options because of their high smoke points, which make them ideal for deep frying.
What temperature should I fry the chicken at?
Fry the chicken at 350°F (175°C) to get a crispy exterior while ensuring the inside remains juicy and tender.
Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken burger—juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside. Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burgers have gained immense popularity for their combination of tender, flavorful chicken encased in a crunchy coating that is simply irresistible. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these burgers will steal the show!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to create 4 pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- For the Breading:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For Assembly:
- 4 burger buns (toasted)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise or your favorite burger sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they're fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra flavor and tenderness).
- Prepare the Breading: In another large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the breading onto the chicken to coat thoroughly. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture again for a double coat.
- Heat Oil: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) when ready for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns and spread mayonnaise or your favorite sauce on both sides. Add a crispy chicken fillet, top with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.