Introduction
Fried chicken has earned its place as a beloved dish in countless cuisines around the world, offering a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat. This recipe focuses on creating delicious crispy fried chicken burgers that are sure to impress. Using simple ingredients, you can make a flavorful marinade and a perfectly seasoned coating for the chicken. Served in soft buns with fresh toppings and a creamy garlic mayonnaise, these burgers make for an irresistible meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken:
– 4 boneless chicken thigh fillets
Marinade:
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking/kosher salt
Coating:
– 3/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornflour/cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon celery salt (or heaped 1/8 teaspoon celery seed)
– 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
– 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (increase to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier version)
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
For Frying:
– Vegetable oil (or canola or peanut oil)
To Assemble:
– 4 soft buns, split and lightly toasted
– 2-3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced (or other leafy greens of choice)
– 2 tomatoes, sliced (optional)
– 2 gherkins/dill pickles, sliced on an angle
– 2/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably whole egg)
– 3/4 teaspoon garlic, finely grated (1 clove)
Prep Time
3 hours (or preferably overnight)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (or preferably overnight)
Yield: 4 chicken burgers
Enjoy creating these flavorful and satisfying crispy fried chicken burgers, perfect for any meal! They are delightfully simple to prepare and guaranteed to bring joy to your dining table.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and salt. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornflour, dried thyme, dried oregano, celery salt, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
Coat the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Fry the Chicken
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Garlic Mayonnaise
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the finely grated garlic until well combined.
Assemble the Burgers
Spread the garlic mayonnaise on both halves of the toasted buns. Place a layer of sliced lettuce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a slice of tomato (if using) and a few slices of gherkin. Place the fried chicken on top. Cover with the top half of the bun.
Serve
Serve the crispy fried chicken burgers immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides.
Notes
Marination Time
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
Spiciness Adjustment
Increase the cayenne pepper up to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier version of the chicken.
Cooking Temperature
Use a thermometer to check oil temperature for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through.
Fillet Alternatives
Boneless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
Cook techniques
Marinating Chicken
Marinating chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, egg, and salt helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The acidity in buttermilk breaks down proteins, resulting in juicier chicken.
Preparing the Coating
Combine various dry ingredients to create a flavorful coating for the chicken. Mixing all-purpose flour with cornflour and spices ensures a crispy texture and enhances the seasoning.
Coating the Chicken
Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to press firmly for adherence. Allowing the coated chicken to rest for a few minutes before frying helps the coating stick better during cooking.
Frying Chicken
Heat oil to the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) to achieve crispy chicken. Frying at the correct temperature prevents greasy chicken and ensures even cooking. Monitor the chicken, flipping only when golden brown.
Making Garlic Mayonnaise
Combine mayonnaise with finely grated garlic for a flavorful spread. This enhances the overall taste of the burger and adds a creamy texture to balance the crispy chicken.
Assembling the Burger
Layering the buns with garlic mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, gherkins, and fried chicken ensures a balanced and flavorful bite. Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents sogginess from toppings.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a shorter marinating time for optimal flavor and moisture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by combining milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
How can I make the coating spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mix. Adjust according to your spice preference.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices for frying due to their high smoke points.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, although it may not achieve the same crispiness as frying.
How do I store leftover chicken burgers?
Store leftover assembled burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven for the best texture.
Conclusion
The crispy fried chicken burgers are a delightful combination of tender, marinated chicken encased in a flavorful and crunchy coating. Paired with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, gherkins, and a tangy garlic mayonnaise, these burgers are sure to satisfy your craving for comfort food. Best enjoyed hot and freshly assembled, they make for a perfect meal any time of the day.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Use the same marinated chicken to fill soft or crunchy taco shells, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Chicken and Waffles
Serve the fried chicken over a fluffy waffle drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Toss the fried chicken pieces in your favorite buffalo sauce and serve on mini slider buns with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Chicken Salad
Cube the fried chicken and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a zesty vinaigrette for a hearty salad.
Asian Style Chicken Burgers
Marinate chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then fry and serve on buns with slaw and sriracha mayo for an Asian-inspired twist.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Coat the fried chicken in BBQ sauce and serve on buns with coleslaw for a delicious southern-inspired sandwich.
Chicken Quesadillas
Chop the fried chicken and layer it with cheese and salsa inside tortillas, then grill until crispy for a cheesy treat.
