Southern Fried Chicken Burger

We all enjoy the luxury of ordering takeaway and having a night off from cooking. But I promise you, this delicious Southern Fried Chicken Burger is quick and easy to make, costs less than $5 per serving, and is even better than takeaway! Plus, you can feel good about using free-range chicken thighs and simple, wholesome ingredients. And did I mention how fast this is? The chicken is quickly coated in spices, buttermilk, and flour, before being fried. I bet you can whip this up faster than it would take to wait for delivery! These burgers are great with cheese, pickles, lettuce, and mayo, but feel free to change it up and add your favourite toppings.

Can you make Southern Fried Chicken Burgers ahead of time?

Southern Fried Chicken Burgers are best made and served immediately.

Are Southern Fried Chicken Burgers suitable for leftovers?

Yes, Southern Fried Chicken Burgers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) 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.

Southern Fried Chicken Burger

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 13 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt, plus extra to serve
• 4 chicken thigh fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups plain/all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (see note 1)

To serve

• 4 brioche buns
• 4 slices gouda or burger/American cheese
• 1/4 cup pickles
• 1/4 head of oakleaf or butter lettuce
• 4 tsp whole egg mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Mix together the spices and salt, and sprinkle over both sides of the chicken.
2. Dredge the chicken in the buttermilk, followed immediately by the flour. Shake off any excess.
3. In a large, deep pan, heat the oil on medium-low heat (don’t be tempted to go too high with the oil, as the chicken will cook too quickly on the outside and will not be cooked on the inside. Medium–low heat is perfect).
4. Cook for 4 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden.
5. Drain on a paper towel.
6. Sprinkle with extra salt to serve (optional).
7. Assemble the burgers and serve.

Notes

Note 1 – Deep frying is the best way to achieve crispy golden chicken. A high smoke point, neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil is best. You will need enough oil so that the base of the pan is fully covered and at least 3 cm or 1 and 1/4″ 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

Best made and served immediately. 

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) 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.

• Author: Nicole
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins
• Category: burger, chicken burger
• Method: pan fry, assemble
• Cuisine: American