Who needs to order in crispy chicken burgers when you can make your own at home in less than 15 minutes! I know that the luxury of takeout and a night off from cooking is something many of us dream about, but I promise that these burgers are are just so easy to make. Plus, there is something hugely satisfying about making these on your own. They are cheaper, made with wholesome ingredients and taste so much better than the takeout version!
These Southern Fried Chicken Burgers are an absolute favourite at our place. Truly crispy fried chicken, marinated in buttermilk and spices, topped with cheese, pickles, fresh lettuce and a big dollop of mayo on a brioche bun is everything we need on a night in and more. The buttermilk tenderises the chicken and adds a slightly tangy flavour, and the cornflour (cornstarch) helps to create that amazing, bubbly, crispy coating that we’re all after. I use gouda cheese as I love its nutty, caramel-like flavour, but burger or American cheese work just as well. Also, although the sweetness of brioche buns takes these burgers to another level, you can use other burger buns if you can’t source brioche.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! You can use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally to form 4 thinner steaks, then proceed with the recipe.
What type of oil is best for frying?
A high smoke-point, neutral-flavoured oil, such as canola (rapeseed), vegetable, sunflower, or rice bran oil is best for frying, but a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil can also be used. Check out the recipe for details.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) for 20–25 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Ensure you spray the chicken thoroughly with oil prior to cooking and cook it on a preheated baking tray. The texture will be slightly different and the colouring less even and golden, but it will still be delicious.
Hot tips for success
Even thickness – Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks through evenly.
Proper oil temperature – Keep the oil at a medium–low heat to avoid burning the coating, while ensuring the chicken cooks through. I always use a chopstick to check the oil temperature. Dip the tip of a chopstick into the oil and if it sizzles, the oil is ready!
Rest the chicken – After frying, let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil and stay crispy.
Seasoning – Don’t skip seasoning the chicken before dipping it in buttermilk and flour for maximum flavour. If you season first, it stops the seasoning burning while cooking, the spices are protected by the buttermilk and flour.
Watch how to make Southern Fried Chicken Burgers
What are some other family-friendly “fakeaway” recipes?
If you enjoyed this Southern Fried Chicken Burger, I think you’ll love:
Crispy Chicken Burger with Honey Mustard Coleslaw
Juicy Homemade Beef Burgers
Lemon and Oregano Chicken Tzatziki Wrap
Honey Soy Chicken Banh Mi
Big Mac Tacos
Southern Fried Chicken Burger
These delicious Southern Fried Chicken Burgers are the ultimate weeknight “fakeaway” featuring tender seasoned chicken fried to golden perfection. Served with brioche buns, cheese, pickles and shredded lettuce, these burgers are a quick and delicious meal the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 13 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 2 chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to form 4 thinner pieces)
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (150 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
- ½ cup (60 g) cornflour (cornstarch) (or potato flour)
- Oil, for frying (see note 1)
TO SERVE
- 4 brioche buns, or any burger bun of your choice
- 4 tsp whole-egg mayonnaise
- 1/4 head of oakleaf or butter lettuce, shredded
- 4 slices gouda (or burger or American cheese)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sliced gherkin (dill pickles)
- Extra salt
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
- Pound the chicken using a mallet or rolling pin so that it is roughly 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick and also even in thickness. Set aside on a plate.
- Combine the sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in a bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the chicken taking care to get an even coverage.
Coat the chicken
- Place the buttermilk in a shallow bowl and combine the flour and cornflour in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip the seasoned chicken pieces first in the buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are coated all over.
Fry the chicken
- Heat the oil in a large, deep heavy-based pan over medium–low heat (don’t be tempted to go too high with the oil temperature, as the chicken will cook too quickly on the outside and will not be cooked on the inside; medium–low is perfect).
- Cook the chicken for 4 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden.
- Drain on a paper towel.
Assemble the burgers
- Toast the brioche buns if desired.
- Place a dollop of mayonnaise on the bottom of the bun, followed by the shredded lettuce, chicken, cheese, pickles, and another dollop of mayonnaise if desired. Sprinkle with extra salt to serve, if desired. Top with the bun lid and serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1 – Deep-frying is the best way to achieve crispy golden chicken. A high smoke-point, neutral-flavoured oil, such as canola (rapeseed), vegetable oil, sunflower oil or rice bran oil, is easy to work with and most economical, but a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil can also be used. You will need enough oil so the bottom of the pan is fully covered and the oil is at least 3 cm (11/4 inches) deep. This is a video on how you can clean your oil and reuse it although I usually skip this step, strain the oil and keep it in a jar, refrigerated, until I need to use it again.
Make ahead
Chicken – Season the chicken and marinate it in buttermilk for up to 24 hours prior to cooking. It will be even juicier and more delicious!
Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover chicken for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. The microwave will soften the coating, whereas the oven will retain some of the crispiness. Not suitable to freeze.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: burger, chicken burger
- Method: pan fry, assemble
- Cuisine: American
Kate says:
Whole family loved this. My picky child who hates everything asked for this again. That’s a win! This is in the heavy rotation now
Fatima says:
I was craving for a good crispy burger but instead of take out thought to try your recipe. It was a hit. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
Rie says:
It was delicious! My kids who like fast food loved this sandwiches. I will definitely make this again.
Emily says:
Made these for my children and their friends, all gone in a matter of bites- including my picky 6 year old boy! Thanks Nic for ANOTHER great recipe
Emily says:
Made these for my children and their friends, all gone in a matter of bites- including my picky 6 year old boy! Thanks Nic for ANOTHER great recipe
Andrijana says:
Made them last night! Dang they were good! THIS is how you make a burger! I rarely eat takeout when whenever I do, i regret it! I haven’t had MacD’s or Hungry Jacks in years! But if was to go to a proper burger place! This is what I’d expect! Wish I could add an image! I made that with some homemade Dutch Cream potato chips! The best chips! Thanks for sharing this recipe! Definitely going back to it.
evangelinebartlett says:
Great burger! Only question is how much oil? Do I deep fry or pan fry?
fee_1970 says:
Wow, I think these were the best burgers I have ever made, so quick and delicious, went down a treat with some fries 🤤
evangelinebartlett says:
Amazing! My family loved this recipe.
Definitely beats the “mushy” chicken patties I use to use!
bonniemackintosh says:
These burgers are next level delicious, such a treat
francarossini says:
So simple and delicious. My boys and I loved them
Nicole says:
This is so wonderful to hear! Thank you so much, we love these too! x
alexandrafoley says:
Have made these once and they were such a winner!!! Definitely will be made again.
Nicole says:
Yay! Thank you so much for the comment! So glad you loved them as much as we do! x