Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food with these Crispy Chicken Burgers—juicy on the inside, perfectly crunchy on the outside, and layered with melty cheddar, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings. This recipe is a game-changer for burger night, bringing restaurant-quality flavor and irresistible texture right into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Crispy Texture: The Panko coating creates a crunchy shell that keeps every bite of chicken fabulously crispy until the very last bite.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The homemade sauce with cornichons, sriracha, and garlic powder brings brightness and zing—no boring burgers here!
- Completely Customizable: From the size of your patties to the toppings and level of heat, these burgers are truly yours to make your own.
- Easy, No-Fuss Prep: With simple pantry staples and less than an hour from start to finish, you’ll have Crispy Chicken Burgers that taste like a weekend treat—any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to make burger night extra memorable? The beauty of these Crispy Chicken Burgers lies in how every ingredient—no matter how humble—plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each one matters):
- Ground chicken breast: Lean and tender, it forms the foundation of your burger patties. Using breast meat keeps things juicy without being greasy.
- Salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper: This simple but punchy spice blend seasons the chicken throughout, adding a smoky kick and tons of savory depth.
- Large egg, beaten: Acts as the essential binder, keeping patties firm and juicy as they cook.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that signature crunch—Panko crumbs stay extra-light and crispy when fried.
- Olive oil (or frying oil of choice): For shallow-frying the patties, adding flavor and golden color.
- Burger buns: Choose soft, sturdy buns that will cradle your crispy chicken without falling apart. Brioche or potato buns are heavenly!
- Mild cheddar cheese, sliced: Melts into gooey goodness over each hot patty, bringing creamy, tangy comfort.
- Lettuce: Crisp greens add a fresh crunch and keep juicy flavors from soaking the bun.
- Tomatoes, sliced: Juicy and sweet, they balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.
- Marinated red onions (optional): Adds a bright, tangy pop if you love a bit of oniony zip.
- For the sauce: Mayo, cornichons, ketchup, sriracha, garlic powder, and kosher salt blend together into a creamy, zesty “secret sauce.”
Variations
One of the best things about Crispy Chicken Burgers? How easy they are to make your own. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, spice-lovers, or anyone with special dietary needs, you can tweak this recipe with zero stress and still get fabulous results.
- Spicy Chicken Burgers: Double up the sriracha in the sauce or add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the chicken mix to boost the heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap Panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free crumb or crushed rice crackers, and use gluten-free buns.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheddar or swap in a dairy-free cheese slice—just as crispy and satisfying, minus the dairy.
- Mini Sliders: Shape the chicken mixture into 10 or 12 small patties for party-perfect sliders or lunchbox treats.
- Extra Veggie: Add sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or slaw for bonus color, crunch, and nutrients.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by tossing your ground chicken into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle over the salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix just until the spices are evenly distributed, then pour in your beaten egg and combine until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky. Divide the chicken into 5 even portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick disc, matching the buns in size so that every bite is perfectly proportional.
Step 2: Coat and Chill
Pour the Panko breadcrumbs into a wide, shallow bowl. Press each chicken patty gently into the crumbs, coating every surface well for a flawless crunch. Once crumbed, place the patties on a parchment-lined sheet pan and slide them into the fridge for 30 minutes—this crucial step helps the patties firm up, keeping them beautifully intact during frying.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce
While the patties chill, stir together the mayo, finely diced cornichons, ketchup, sriracha, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the hot sauce if you like more (or less) kick. This creamy, bright sauce will absolutely wake up your taste buds and make your Crispy Chicken Burgers pop.
Step 4: Shallow Fry & Melt the Cheese
Pour 1 cup of olive oil into a large nonstick pan and heat over medium to medium-high until shimmering (about 2 minutes). Fry the patties in batches—don’t crowd the pan!—for about 3 minutes per side, until they’re a deep golden brown and crunchy. Move each one onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet, crown with a cheddar slice, and pop into a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This ensures gooey cheese melt and guarantees your chicken burgers are totally cooked through.
Step 5: Toast, Assemble, and Enjoy!
Lightly toast your buns until golden for that extra hint of crunch (highly recommended). Smear the bottom bun with sauce, layer on crisp lettuce, the cheesy chicken patty, even more sauce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy marinated onions if you love a zing. Top it all with the other half of the bun and repeat with the rest—then dig in while everything’s still hot and the crunch is at its peak!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Chicken Burgers
- Get the Oil Hot (But Not Smoking): Aim for shimmering oil before frying—it gives patties that instant sizzle and forms a crunchy crust without burning the breadcrumbs.
- Chill for Perfect Patties: Thirty minutes in the fridge ensures patties hold their shape and deliver a satisfying crunch after frying—don’t skip this step!
- Wire Rack Magic: Rest fried chicken burgers on a rack so air can circulate and keep every side crisp (no soggy bottoms here).
- Salt Your Lettuce: A light sprinkle of salt on the lettuce leaves brings out their flavor and prevents the toppings from tasting bland compared to the bold burger.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
A good garnish can take your Crispy Chicken Burgers from delicious to truly unforgettable. Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of green, or pile up a handful of marinated red onions for extra brightness. A few bread-and-butter pickles or sliced jalapeños add a welcome tang and a little extra drama on the plate, too.
Side Dishes
Crispy Chicken Burgers pair wonderfully with all the classics—think golden fries, sweet potato wedges, or crunchy coleslaw. For a lighter twist, go for a bright cucumber salad, grilled corn, or even roasted veggies. If you want things ultra-comforting, don’t forget onion rings or loaded potato salad on the side!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the burgers on a big platter surrounded by colorful toppings and sauces so everyone can build their favorite version. For weeknight dinners, wrap each burger in parchment for that true “diner at home” vibe, or go restaurant-style and secure with a fancy skewer—always a hit for presentation and easy eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties are a meal-prepper’s dream! Let any extra chicken burgers cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, staying moist and ready for quick lunches or late-night cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, cooled chicken patties for up to 2 months—just separate layers with parchment so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready for burger night, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating (see below for best results).
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat patties in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, until hot all the way through and the coating crisps up again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but the crust won’t be quite as crunchy—so the oven is worth it when you want that signature snap!
FAQs
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey (preferably breast meat) is a great substitute for ground chicken and will give you equally juicy and flavorful crispy chicken burgers—just keep an eye on the texture since turkey can be a touch drier, so you might want to add a tiny splash of olive oil to the mix.
-
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart when frying?
Chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes before frying is crucial—it firms up the chicken mixture and helps the coating adhere, so your chicken burgers stay perfectly round (and not crumbly) from pan to bun.
-
Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes! For a lighter take, you can bake the breaded patties on a rack-topped baking sheet at 425°F for about 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust won’t be quite as deep golden as frying, but still plenty crunchy and satisfying.
-
What are the best toppings for Crispy Chicken Burgers?
Crispy Chicken Burgers shine with classic combos like lettuce, tomato, and cheddar, but feel free to mix it up—avocado slices, crispy bacon, spicy pickles, or even a handful of arugula all taste amazing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s pure comfort and totally crave-worthy, you simply can’t beat these Crispy Chicken Burgers. Make them your own, pile them high with toppings, and savor every golden, juicy, flavor-packed bite—happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Chicken Burgers are a delicious twist on traditional burgers, featuring juicy ground chicken patties coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs, topped with a flavorful mayo-based sauce, and served on toasted buns with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and marinated red onions.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup olive oil, or preferred frying oil
- 5 burger buns
- Mild cheddar cheese, sliced
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Marinated red onions, optional
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup finely diced cornichons
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Make the chicken patties. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Prepare a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and a sheet pan lined with a wire rack. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Mix well, add the beaten egg, and shape into patties. Coat with Panko breadcrumbs and chill in the fridge.
- Make the sauce. Mix mayo, cornichons, ketchup, sriracha, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cook the chicken patties. Fry the patties in olive oil until golden and crispy, then bake with cheese until cooked through.
- To Assemble your burgers. Toast buns, spread sauce, add lettuce, chicken patty, more sauce, tomatoes, and onions. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Note: If you prefer larger or smaller burgers, you can divide the mixture into four or six portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *