Mouthwatering Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe

Irresistibly Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger: A Mouthwatering Treat

Spicy crispy chicken burgers are a tasty treat that will wake up your taste buds and fill you up.

These mouthwatering sandwiches have the perfect mix of crunchy outside and juicy inside with a kick of spice.

People who love food enjoy the contrast between the crispy, golden-brown chicken and soft buns.

You can find these delicious burgers on restaurant menus and in many kitchens because they please different tastes and ages.

The secret to their appeal is in the well-seasoned coating and perfectly cooked chicken, making every bite unforgettable.

Crispy chicken burgers are now a favorite for anyone looking for a quick meal that’s both satisfying and exciting.

Why Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Delivers Big Flavor

  • Easily Elevate Home Cooking: Transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality burger becomes surprisingly simple with this recipe.
  • Multilayer Crunch Technique: Double-dipping method creates an unbelievably crispy exterior that guarantees textural perfection with each delightful bite.
  • Flavor Explosion Potential: Gochugaru spices and creamy sauce combine to deliver a Korean-inspired taste experience that sparks excitement for home-cooked meals.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Advance marination allows busy cooks to prepare components ahead, making weeknight dinners exciting and stress-free.

What You’ll Need For Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

Wet Batter Components:
  • Milk: Tenderizes chicken and helps batter adhere.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • Hot Sauce, Gochugaru: Provides signature spicy kick and deep flavor complexity.
Dry Mix Components:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates ultra-crispy exterior with light texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning profile.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures extra crunchiness and airiness.
Sauce and Burger Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Gochujang, Sour Cream: Combines for creamy, spicy sauce.
  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful protein with perfect fat content.
  • Burger Buns: Soft carrier for crispy chicken.
Garnish and Additional Components:
  • Lettuce: Fresh, crisp texture contrast.
  • Cheese Slice: Adds creamy, melty element.
  • Gochugaru, Salt: Final seasoning touch for extra flavor depth.

How To Build A Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

Step 1: Create Flavorful Marinade

  • Buttermilk
  • Gochujang
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Combine all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add chicken thighs and ensure complete coating. Let chicken soak in refrigerator for minimum 3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Prepare Crunchy Coating

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Gochugaru
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly in a wide shallow bowl. Set aside for chicken coating process.

Step 3: Build Ultimate Crispy Coating Technique

Mix flour mixture with ice-cold water technique to create incredible crunch. Carefully coat each marinated chicken piece in dry mix. Quickly dip into ice water for 5 seconds. Allow excess water to drip for 10 seconds. Recoat with dry mixture. Repeat dipping and coating process twice for maximum crispiness. Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.

Step 4: Fry Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in deep pan. Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 10-15 minutes until deep golden brown. For extra crispiness, let chicken rest briefly, then refry for additional 5-8 minutes. Remove chicken and drain on wire rack. Sprinkle with extra salt and gochugaru.

Step 5: Assemble Mouthwatering Burger

Toast burger buns until golden edges appear. Spread spicy creamy sauce generously on bottom bun. Layer crispy chicken, melted cheese slice, fresh lettuce. Top with second bun. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Tips To Keep Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Crunchy

  • Marinate Like a Pro: Overnight marinating allows spices to deeply penetrate chicken thighs, creating more intense flavor profiles.
  • Double-Dip for Maximum Crunch: Repeatedly dipping chicken in water and dry mix creates an ultra-crispy, textured exterior that stays crunchy longer.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain steady 350°F oil to ensure evenly cooked, golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust gochugaru spice quantity to personalize burger's heat intensity, making it suitable for different spice tolerances.
  • Rest and Crisp Technique: Letting fried chicken rest before second frying ensures maximum crispiness and prevents soggy coating.

How To Store Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Correctly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate burger components to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Chicken stays fresh for 1-2 months when frozen properly.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Air Fryer Technique: Reheat chicken at 360°F for 3-4 minutes. This method quickly restores the crispy exterior without drying out the meat.

Best Pairings For Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

  • Pair with Tangy Kimchi Slaw: Chop kimchi and mix with crisp cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing for a zesty side that cuts through the chicken's richness.
  • Complement with Crisp Korean Beer: Choose a light lager like Cass or Hite to balance the spicy burger's heat and refresh your palate between bites.
  • Match with Pickled Cucumber Salad: Quick-pickle cucumber slices in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for a cool, acidic counterpoint that enhances the burger's spicy crunch.
  • Serve with Gochujang Aioli Dip: Blend gochujang, mayo, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar for a creamy, spicy condiment that amplifies the burger's Korean-inspired flavors.

Twists On The Classic Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Burger: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Keto Chicken Burger: Swap burger buns with large lettuce leaves or low-carb almond flour-based buns. Use pork rinds instead of traditional flour for a crispy coating that keeps carbohydrates minimal.
  • Chicken Burger for Dairy-Free Diets: Substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based mayo in the spicy sauce and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free.
  • Air Fryer Healthier Version: Replace deep-frying with air frying to reduce oil content. Cook chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. Maintain the same crispy coating technique while cutting down on calories.

FAQs For Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

  • Why do I need to double-coat the chicken?

Double coating creates an incredibly crispy, textured exterior by building multiple layers of flour and ensuring the coating stays firmly attached during frying. This technique prevents the breading from falling off and produces a crunchier result.

  • Can I use different types of chicken?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute with chicken breasts. Just ensure the meat is pounded to an even thickness to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dryness.

  • How spicy will this burger be?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) you use. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to match your heat tolerance. The creamy sauce also helps balance the spiciness.

  • Is marinating really necessary?

Marinating for at least 3 hours allows the chicken to absorb flavors deeply and helps tenderize the meat. Overnight marination produces even more intense flavor and more tender chicken, making the final burger more delicious.

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Mouthwatering Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe

Mouthwatering Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger delivers a flavor explosion that tantalizes taste buds with its perfect blend of heat and crunch. Crispy golden chicken, zesty sauce, and fresh toppings create an irresistible sandwich you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 egg whites

Coating and Flour Mix:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons Japanese mayo
  • 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • ½ tablespoon light soy sauce
  • ½ tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • ½ tablespoon chili flakes
  • 3 cups ice-cold water
  • Burger buns
  • Lettuce
  • American cheese slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the wet batter by combining all liquid ingredients in a mixing vessel, creating a smooth, homogeneous marinade.
  2. Submerge chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage and massaging the mixture into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
  3. Refrigerate the marinated protein for a minimum of three hours, preferably overnight, to allow deep flavor infusion.
  4. Create a seasoned dry coating by whisking together flour, spices, and powdered ingredients in a wide, shallow container.
  5. Craft a spicy creamy sauce by blending condiments and aromatics until achieving a uniform, vibrant consistency.
  6. Remove marinated chicken from refrigeration and allow to approach room temperature.
  7. Delicately dust each chicken piece with the prepared dry mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Briefly immerse the coated protein in ice-cold water for a swift five-second plunge, maintaining the flour adherence.
  9. Allow excess liquid to cascade off the chicken for precisely ten seconds.
  10. Reapply the dry coating, repeating the water dip and dredging process twice to construct an extraordinarily crisp exterior.
  11. Let the prepared chicken pieces rest momentarily to set the coating.
  12. Heat cooking oil to 350°F, maintaining a consistent medium temperature.
  13. Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
  14. Execute a secondary frying for enhanced crispiness, briefly returning the chicken to the oil.
  15. Transfer to an absorbent surface, seasoning with additional salt and gochugaru for intensified flavor.
  16. Toast burger buns until achieving a light golden color and slight crunch.
  17. Generously spread the prepared spicy sauce across both bun surfaces.
  18. Construct the burger by layering the crispy chicken, melted cheese slice, and fresh lettuce.
  19. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately for optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken thoroughly to ensure deep flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
  • Double-dredging technique creates an incredibly crunchy, restaurant-quality coating that locks in moisture.
  • Control oil temperature precisely to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the crispy layer.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting gochugaru amount for personal heat preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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