Name: Chicken Fried Burger
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 cups homemade buttermilk (See instructions on how to make); 2 tsp Celtic salt; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 3 cups plain flour; 1 cup cornflour; 2 tbsp Celtic salt; 1 tbsp celery salt; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tsp cayenne; 1 tsp onion powder; 0.75 cup mayonnaise; 7 cloves black garlic, finely puréed; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup cabbage; 0.5 cup carrot; 0.5 cup onion; 0.5 cup mayo; 0.25 cup dijon mustard; 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar, or to taste; 1 liter whole milk; 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (For buttermilk substitute); 4 pieces buns (Toasted with butter); 4 pieces slices of cheese (For melting on the chicken)

The Chicken Fried Burger is a delightful twist on the classic burger, combining the juiciness of chicken with the crunch of a fried exterior and all the delicious toppings you’d expect from a great sandwich. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned, crispy piece of chicken nestled between soft, toasted buns, all brought together with a kick of flavor from spicy mayonnaise and tangy coleslaw.

This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for gatherings, a casual family dinner, or simply when you want a comforting meal packed with taste. By crafting homemade buttermilk and using a blend of spices in both the meat and the toppings, this chicken fried burger is bound to impress anyone lucky enough to have a taste.

Why make this recipe

Making your own Chicken Fried Burger allows you to control every aspect of the dish, from marinating the chicken in homemade buttermilk to perfecting the crispy coating. This dish strikes a balance between indulgence and comfort, satisfying cravings with its rich flavors and textures. The fried chicken’s crunch pairs beautifully with zesty coleslaw, while the spicy mayonnaise adds a kick that keeps your taste buds dancing. Beyond just being a delicious meal, preparing this recipe provides a rewarding culinary experience, allowing you to showcase your skills in the kitchen.

How to make CHICKEN FRIED BURGER

To prepare a Chicken Fried Burger, starting with proper marination is key. The chicken thighs soak in a flavorful buttermilk mixture that makes them juicy and tender. As the chicken rests, you can focus on creating a perfectly seasoned flour blend that will give that essential crispy texture once fried. Once your chicken is marinated and coated, frying it to golden perfection requires attention to temperature, ensuring the chicken is cooked through. The assembly of the burger is where the magic happens; with a layer of spicy mayonnaise and fresh coleslaw, this burger becomes not just a meal, but an experience.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 cups homemade buttermilk
2 tsp Celtic salt
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups plain flour
1 cup cornflour
2 tbsp Celtic salt
1 tbsp celery salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp onion powder
¾ cup mayonnaise
7 cloves black garlic, finely puréed
1 tbsp hot sauce
Celtic salt to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
Lemon juice to taste
½ liter whole milk
2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
1 cup cabbage
½ cup carrot
½ cup onion
½ cup mayo
¼ cup dijon mustard
¼ cup apple cider vinegar, or to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix whole milk and lemon juice (or vinegar) in a jug.
Leave the mixture at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until the milk slightly thickens. It may not thicken as much as store-bought buttermilk.
If the mixture looks curdled or has small lumps, don’t worry. It will be fine once cooked.
For a smoother texture, whisk the mixture well.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk from step 1, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create the marinade.
Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them sit for at least one hour or overnight for optimal flavor absorption.
In a separate bowl, combine plain flour, cornflour, salt, celery salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and onion powder to create the flour mix.
For added texture, add droplets of the marinade into the flour mix and mix to form small clumps.
Coat each marinated chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet with a rack, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other.
Heat a pan with oil. Use a fry or candy thermometer to heat the oil to 175°C.
Carefully drop the coated chicken into the hot oil away from you and fry until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75 – 80°C.
Remove the fried chicken from the oil and let it cool on a sheet tray with a wire rack; excess oil will drain. Don’t take it out on paper towels, otherwise it will release moisture.
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic puree, hot sauce, salt, smoked paprika, and lemon juice to create the spicy mayonnaise.
Mix cabbage, carrot, onion, mayo, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the coleslaw.
Spread the butter inside the buns.
Toast the buns with butter on a skillet for added flavor.
Start with the toasted buns.
Spread the spicy mayonnaise on the bottom bun and add pickles.
Place the fried chicken on top of the pickles and add a slice of cheese. Use a blow torch to melt the cheese.
Top the chicken with the slaw and cover with the top bun. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Fried Sandwich following these detailed steps!

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 2 hours
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

How to serve CHICKEN FRIED BURGER

The Chicken Fried Burger can be served in a variety of ways, ideal for any occasion. It makes an excellent main dish for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner with family and friends. Pair it with sides like crispy fries or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. It also works well as part of a larger spread, accompanied by an array of dips and appetizers. Don’t forget to serve it with extra spicy mayonnaise or your favorite hot sauce on the side to give everyone the chance to customize their experience.

How to store CHICKEN FRIED BURGER

Storing leftover Chicken Fried Burgers is simple and ensures you can enjoy them later. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. The fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the components separate; store the fried chicken, coleslaw, and toasted buns in their own containers to maintain their textures. If you want to enjoy the chicken fried burger cold, you can also reheat it in the oven or an air fryer for best results, ensuring the outside remains crispy.

Tips to make CHICKEN FRIED BURGER

For the perfect Chicken Fried Burger, make sure to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to absorb all the flavors. Using a blend of flours can enhance the texture and crispiness of the coating—mixing plain flour with cornflour yields a light and crunchy crust. It’s important to control the temperature of the oil; maintaining it at around 175°C will help cook the chicken thoroughly without burning it. Lastly, feel free to adjust the seasoning in the coleslaw and mayonnaise to better suit your taste, adding more heat or sweetness as desired.

Variation

No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken breasts may result in a drier burger; thighs are recommended for juiciness.

Q: Can I make the coleslaw in advance?
A: Absolutely! The coleslaw can be prepared a day ahead, which will enhance its flavors.

Q: Is this burger suitable for meal prepping?
A: Yes, you can prepare all components in advance and assemble them just before serving for a fresher experience.