Imagine biting into a golden, crispy chicken burger that's so perfectly seasoned and crunchy, it'll make your taste buds dance with Southern hospitality! Our Southern Crispy Fried Chicken Burger isn't just a meal - it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With a perfectly seasoned, crackling exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this burger is about to become your new comfort food obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours refrigerated) to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned coating.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
- Carefully place coated chicken breasts into hot oil, frying for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil, allowing the coating to remain crisp.
- Lightly toast burger buns until golden and warm.
- Assemble burgers by placing crispy fried chicken on buns, topping with fresh lettuce and tomato slices.
- Serve immediately while chicken is hot and crispy, optionally with your favorite sauce or coleslaw on the side.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk soak! The longer your chicken marinates (up to 4 hours), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your oil is precisely 350°F. Too cool, and your chicken will be greasy; too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
- Drain Smartly: Always let your fried chicken drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, to keep the coating crispy and prevent sogginess.
- Seasoning Trick: Add a pinch of extra cayenne or your favorite spice blend to the flour mixture for an extra flavor kick.
- Freshness is Best: Serve immediately after cooking to maintain that irresistible crispy texture and maximum flavor impact.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 553kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 48g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
