Description
Ultimate Crispy Chicken & Bacon Burger
“Double-stacked crispy chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a creamy, spicy sauce—this burger is next-level delicious!”
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
For the Breading:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Burger:
2 brioche buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices crispy bacon
2 tbsp spicy mayo (mayo + hot sauce)
4 leaves lettuce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and cut into two pieces.
In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Marinate chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Coat & Fry the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, dip in the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and back into the flour mixture.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Assemble the Burger
Toast brioche buns until golden.
Spread spicy mayo on both sides.
Layer lettuce, crispy chicken, cheddar cheese, another crispy chicken, cheese, crispy bacon, and top bun.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve with fries and a cold drink for the ultimate meal!
Pro Tip: Add pickles or caramelized onions for an extra burst of flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by preparing your chicken. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking. Cut each pounded breast into two equal-sized pieces.
2. Whisk the buttermilk and all its listed seasonings in a bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate. Marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, but 4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.
3. When ready to cook, combine all breading dry ingredients in a shallow dish. Place the beaten egg in a separate dish. Set up a station: marinated chicken, flour mixture, egg, flour mixture again.
4. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. While oil heats, coat each chicken piece: dredge in flour, dip fully in egg, then dredge in flour again, pressing to adhere. Let rest for 5 minutes before frying.
5. Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes per side until deeply golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet, not paper towels, to keep the bottom crispy.
6. Immediately place a slice of cheese on each hot chicken piece to melt. Cook bacon until crisp and toast buns lightly.
7. Assemble from the bottom up: bun, spicy mayo, lettuce, cheesy chicken, second cheesy chicken, bacon, more mayo, top bun. Press together gently and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty burger is a meal unto itself, but classic pairings elevate it. Serve with a generous portion of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. For a lighter side, consider a tangy coleslaw or a simple garden salad. A cold craft beer, creamy milkshake, or sparkling lemonade perfectly cuts through the richness.
How-to Summary
To create this burger, marinate chicken in seasoned buttermilk. Dredge in a double-coated flour and cornstarch breading, then deep-fry until golden. Assemble the toasted buns with spicy mayo, lettuce, two cheese-topped chicken pieces, and crispy bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, for a lighter version. Place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy.
What can I use instead of buttermilk? Make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off? The key is the double-dredge (flour-egg-flour) and letting the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set.
Can I prepare components ahead of time? You can marinate the chicken overnight and cook the bacon ahead. However, fry the chicken and assemble the burgers just before serving for optimal crispiness.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, which will make it soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frying chicken at too low a temperature, causing it to absorb oil and become greasy. Always use a thermometer.
- Overcrowding the frying pot, which drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy breading. Fry in batches.
- Using chicken that isn’t pounded evenly, resulting in uneven cooking—some parts dry, others undercooked.
- Skipping the marinating time, which is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
- Assembling the burger too early, causing the bun to become soggy from the heat and sauce.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Crispy Chicken & Bacon Burger is a masterpiece of textures and flavors, combining crunch, smokiness, creaminess, and spice. While it requires a few key steps—marinating, proper breading, and precise frying—the spectacular result is well worth the effort. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality burger that will become a legendary favorite in your home kitchen.