Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet burger paradise with this mouthwatering Crispy Fried Chicken Burger that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy chicken thigh nestled between soft, toasted buns, with fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes adding that perfect burst of freshness. This isn't just another chicken burger - this is a crispy, flavor-packed culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Trim any excess fat and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the buttermilk adhere better and ensure a crispy coating.
- In a medium-sized bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken thighs. Make sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Once the chicken has marinated, prepare the breading mixture. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to submerge the chicken thighs, about 2-3 inches deep. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
- While the oil is heating, remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken thighs to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the burger buns. You can toast them lightly in the same skillet or on a grill for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top, followed by fresh lettuce and tomato slices. Finally, add the top half of the bun to complete the burger.
- Serve the crispy fried chicken burgers immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides such as fries or coleslaw. Enjoy!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your oil is at exactly 350°F (175°C) for that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the buttermilk marination - the longer the chicken sits (up to overnight), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Drain Properly: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.
- Seasoning Secrets: Feel free to customize your flour mixture by adding additional spices like cayenne for heat or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Oil Management: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, and don't overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.Pro Chef Tip: For extra crunch, you can do a double-dredge by dipping the buttermilk-coated chicken back into the flour mixture a second time before frying!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 545kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: mg
