Crispy Chicken Burger: How to Make the best Crunchy burger
Jennifer
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy chicken burger. The crunch of the golden coating, the juicy tenderness of the chicken, and the blend of flavors from fresh toppings and a zesty sauce come together to create a meal that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this crispy chicken burger recipe will become your go-to. With simple steps and customizable options, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results right at home.
IN This Post:
History of Crispy Chicken Burger:
The crispy chicken burger origins trace back to the rise of fried chicken in the Southern United States during the 19th century. Fried chicken’s irresistible crunch and rich flavor made it a staple in American cuisine. By the mid-20th century, fast-food chains began to incorporate breaded chicken fillets into their menus, serving them on buns to appeal to a growing audience of burger lovers.
Over time, this combination became a global sensation. Variations of the crispy chicken burger emerged across cultures, featuring unique seasonings, coatings, and toppings. Today, the crispy chicken burger is a versatile favorite, enjoyed in countless ways, from classic renditions to gourmet interpretations with artisanal sauces and toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe:
- Unbeatable Texture: A crispy tortilla chip coating ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with moisture and rich seasoning.
- Customizable Toppings: Adjust the vegetables, cheese, and sauce to suit your taste.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, this recipe delivers a lighter yet equally delicious meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these burgers are always a hit.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Crush the Chips Well: Ensure the tortilla chips are crushed into fine crumbs for an even coating.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked perfectly (165°F/74°C).
- Don’t Skip the Rack: Baking the chicken on a rack allows air to circulate for maximum crispiness.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds a delightful texture and prevents sogginess.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in its juices.
How To Make This Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe:
Crispy Chicken Burger: How to Make the best Crunchy burger
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Rolling Pin (for crushing chips)
- Baking sheet
- Grill rack or cooling rack
- Meat Thermometer
- Small bowl (for sauce)
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups tortilla chips crushed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Hot Honey Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheese cheddar or your preferred cheese
- Lettuce
- Red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, oregano, paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the yogurt mixture.
- Prepare the Tortilla Coating: Crush the tortilla chips into very fine crumbs (you can place them in a bag and use a rolling pin to crush them). Roll each yogurt-coated chicken breast in the crushed tortilla chips, making sure the chicken is well-coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Place a grill rack (or cooling rack) on top of a baking sheet. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the rack. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the chicken to help them crisp up. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, turning the chicken breasts halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Hot Honey Mayo: While the chicken is baking, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Toast the Buns and Melt the Cheese: After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Move the chicken to one side of the rack and place the buns, cut-side up, on the grill rack. Add a slice of cheese to the top of half of the buns. Return the chicken and buns to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Assemble the Burgers: Once the chicken is done, remove it and the buns from the oven. Assemble the burgers by stacking the crispy chicken on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add lettuce, sliced onions, and a generous dollop of the hot honey mayo.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy chicken burgers!
- These crispy chicken burgers are perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal. The hot honey mayo adds a sweet and spicy kick, making each bite irresistible!
Video
Notes
- Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture for up to 4 hours.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to make the mayo milder or spicier.
- Topping Ideas: Add pickles, avocado, or coleslaw for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 500 |
Protein | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fat | 18g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 700mg |
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for variety.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and buns.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with breaded eggplant or tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the yogurt marinade for an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they often offer more juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Absolutely! Deep-fry the coated chicken in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the yogurt marinade and increase the hot sauce in the mayo.
Certainly! You can coat the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking to save time and enhance the flavors.
Classic sides like fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Crispy chicken burgers are the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and comfort. This recipe simplifies the process while delivering exceptional results, making it ideal for any occasion. Customize your toppings, play with spices, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a restaurant-worthy dish at home. Ready to make your own crispy chicken burger masterpiece? Let’s get started!
Don’t forget to check out other chicken burger recipe and to share your results and leave a comment below—we’d love to hear your feedback!