Description
Triple Cheeseburger with Crispy Fried Chicken and Fries
Ingredients
For the Cheeseburger:
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 slices cheddar cheese
4 burger buns
Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional for topping)
For the Fried Chicken:
4 chicken wings
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Fries:
4 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into fries)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Fries:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss potato fries with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Fried Chicken:
Soak the chicken wings in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Cheeseburger Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness.
In the last minute of cooking, place two slices of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
Assemble the Burger:
Toast the burger buns lightly in a skillet or oven.
Place a cheeseburger patty on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serve:
Serve the triple cheeseburger with crispy fried chicken and golden fries on the side. Add ketchup and mustard or your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor!
This is the ultimate indulgence in a meal, perfect for a treat. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for a perfectly timed meal where all components are hot and ready together. Start by soaking the chicken in buttermilk. Then, preheat your oven for the fries. Prepare the fries and get them in the oven first, as they have the longest, mostly hands-off cook time. While the fries bake, bread and fry your chicken, keeping it warm in the turned-off oven. Finally, cook your burger patties just before assembly to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and the beef is juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Present this indulgent meal on a large platter for a family-style feast. Offer a variety of dipping sauces like classic ketchup, spicy mayo, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce. Balance the richness with a simple side of dill pickle spears and crisp coleslaw. For beverages, pair with an ice-cold craft beer, a creamy milkshake, or sparkling water with lemon to cut through the decadence.
How-to Summary
Soak chicken in buttermilk, then coat in seasoned flour and fry until golden. Bake potato fries tossed in oil until crispy. Form beef into patties, season, and cook in a skillet, topping with cheese to melt at the end. Toast buns, then assemble burgers with patties and desired toppings. Serve immediately with fried chicken and fries on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast tenders work well. Adjust frying time accordingly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I make the fries crispier?
Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and tossing with oil. This removes excess starch for a crispier result.
What’s the best way to keep everything warm before serving?
Place fried chicken and cooked patties on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm without making the coating soggy.
Can I grill the burger patties instead?
Absolutely. A grill over medium-high heat will impart a smoky flavor. Still add the cheese at the end and cover the grill to melt it.
How do I prevent the burger patties from puffing up?
Make a slight indentation (a dimple) in the center of each raw patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and stay flat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Beef: Handle the ground beef minimally when forming patties to avoid a tough, dense texture.
- Crowding the Pan: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even, crispy browning.
- Moving Chicken Too Soon: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for the first few minutes after adding to the oil so the coating sets properly.
- Skipping Bun Toasting: Toasting the bun adds crucial texture and prevents it from becoming soggy under the juicy patty.
- Underseasoning: Season each component—the beef, the chicken coating, and the fries—generously at every stage.
Conclusion
This triple cheeseburger with crispy fried chicken and fries is the pinnacle of comfort food indulgence, combining three beloved classics into one unforgettable meal. While it requires managing multiple components, the step-by-step guide ensures a smooth cooking process. By avoiding common pitfalls and utilizing the serving suggestions, you can create a restaurant-quality feast at home. Perfect for a special occasion or a legendary weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Dig in and enjoy the delicious rewards of your effort.