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Crispy Chicken Burger with Melty Cheese

A close-up of a delicious Crispy Chicken Burger with Melty Cheese, lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.
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Follow this guide to make a restaurant-style crispy chicken burger featuring a juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken breast coated in a crunchy breading and topped with perfectly melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 4 burger buns
  • Mayonnaise, for sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha, for sauce
  • Dill pickle slices, for topping
  • Shredded lettuce, for topping

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your dry dredge.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, but do not pat dry.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the dry mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken. For extra crispiness, dip the coated chicken back into the remaining buttermilk mixture briefly, then dredge again in the dry mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  8. While the chicken is still hot, immediately place one slice of cheese on top of each piece. Cover the rack loosely with foil for 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt completely.
  9. Lightly toast the burger buns.
  10. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha together to create a spicy sauce. Spread the sauce on both halves of the toasted buns.
  11. Assemble the burger: bottom bun, sauce, lettuce, crispy chicken patty with melted cheese, pickles, and top bun.

Notes

  • For maximum crispiness, use the double-dredging technique described in step 3.
  • If you prefer air frying, cook the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
  • American cheese melts the smoothest for a classic look, but sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F internally.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/crispy-chicken-burger-with-melty-cheese/