If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave that perfect crunch, this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is calling your name! Picture this: a golden, ultra-crispy chicken fillet coated in a spicy, seasoned crust, nestled between soft, toasted buns, and layered with creamy sauce, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles. It’s fast-food-level delicious but homemade, so you know exactly what’s going into it.
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This burger is everything—juicy, spicy, crispy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend cookout, trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly Crispy: A perfectly seasoned, extra-crunchy coating that stays crisp.
Spicy & Flavorful: The right amount of heat balanced with creamy, cooling toppings.
Better Than Takeout: All the indulgence of your favorite fast-food spicy chicken burger, made fresh at home.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to your preference.
Quick & Easy: Simple steps and minimal prep make this a go-to burger recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this burger so irresistible:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded to an even thickness for perfect frying.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor while helping the coating stick.
Hot Sauce: Infuses the chicken with bold heat and spice.
Flour & Cornstarch: The perfect duo for a light, ultra-crispy coating.
Spices: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for that signature spicy kick.
Eggs: Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): Adds extra crunch for an extra-crispy bite.
Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola ensures golden, crunchy results.
Burger Buns: Soft, buttery buns toasted for the perfect texture contrast.
Toppings: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy pickles, and creamy mayo or spicy sauce.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s build the ultimate crispy chicken burger:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and spices. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, dip it in the flour mixture, then in the eggs, and back in the flour for an extra crispy layer. Press the coating firmly to adhere.
Fry Until Golden: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
Toast the Buns: Lightly butter and toast the burger buns in a pan until golden.
Assemble the Burger: Spread mayo or spicy sauce on the buns, layer with lettuce, pickles, and tomato, then top with the crispy chicken. Finish with the top bun.
Serve & Enjoy: Bite into that crispy, spicy perfection!
How to Serve Spicy Crispy Chicken Burgers
- With Fries: Serve with classic French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Loaded with Sauce: Try ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a fresh, crisp salad.
- Extra Spicy: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey for a fiery twist.
Additional Tips
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-coat the chicken in flour for a crunchier bite.
- Adjust the Heat: Increase or decrease the cayenne and hot sauce to your spice preference.
- Make it Healthier: Bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.
- Keep it Crispy: Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken in advance for quicker cooking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake or air-fry the chicken?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Q2: What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?
A2: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep it crispy.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A3: Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and add even more flavor.
Q4: What’s the best oil for frying?
A4: Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for best results.
Q5: How do I make it spicier?
A5: Add more cayenne and a dash of hot sauce to the marinade and flour mixture.
Q6: Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
A6: Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
Q7: What toppings pair well with this burger?
A7: Spicy slaw, jalapeños, or crispy bacon make great additions.
Q8: How do I keep the coating from falling off?
A8: Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken and let it rest before frying.
Q9: What type of buns work best?
A9: Brioche, potato buns, or sesame seed buns complement the crispy chicken beautifully.
Q10: Can I make a milder version?
A10: Yes! Reduce the cayenne and use a milder hot sauce, or skip it altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is the ultimate homemade indulgence crispy, juicy, spicy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or spicing up a weeknight dinner, this burger is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy the crunchiest, most flavorful chicken sandwich ever!
Print
Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: North American
Description
This Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is a perfect blend of crunch, heat, and juiciness, inspired by KFC’s Zinger Burger and Indonesian Ayam Geprek. With a double dredging technique and a bold spicy sauce, this homemade chicken sandwich delivers restaurant-quality flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Chicken & Wet Batter:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Dry Mix:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Spicy Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayo
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 tbsp chili flakes
Other Ingredients:
- 3 cups ice-cold water
- Burger buns
- Lettuce
- American cheese slices
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix all wet batter ingredients.
- Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly.
- Marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Prepare Dry Mix & Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix all dry mix ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix all sauce ingredients and set aside.
Dredging the Chicken:
- Lightly coat each marinated chicken piece in the dry mix.
- Dip it into ice-cold water for 5 seconds, ensuring the flour coating remains intact.
- Let excess water drip off for 10 seconds, then coat again in the dry mix.
- Repeat the dipping and dredging twice for an ultra-crispy coating.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
Deep Frying:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat.
- Fry chicken for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, let it rest, then fry again for 5-8 minutes.
- Remove from oil, sprinkle with salt and extra gochugaru if desired.
Assembling the Burger:
- Toast the burger buns.
- Spread a generous amount of spicy creamy sauce on both buns.
- Layer crispy chicken, a slice of cheese, lettuce, and the top bun.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier burger, but chicken breasts can be substituted.
- Adjust gochugaru and Sriracha to control spice levels.
- For an even crunchier crust, repeat the double dredging technique.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg