Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort meal with this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger. It’s everything you crave – juicy, tender chicken with a satisfyingly crunchy coating, a double punch of heat, tangy and creamy sauce, all layered inside a soft, buttery brioche bun. Whether you’re out to wow your friends at a weekend cookout or simply treating yourself on a weeknight, this burger brings that perfect hit of spice and crunch in every glorious bite.

Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised at how easily these pantry staples and a few fresh items come together to create vibrant color, bold flavor, and irresistible texture. Every ingredient in this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger plays a role in building its signature taste.

Chicken breasts: Go for large, boneless skinless pieces for the juiciest results – slicing them ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Buttermilk: The secret to tender, flavorful chicken; it helps the breading stick and infuses the meat with subtle tang.
Hot sauce: Adds a boost of heat right into the marinade; use your favorite for a personal twist.
All-purpose flour: Provides a classic, crunchy base for the breading.
Cornstarch: Ensures the crispiest coating by making the crust extra light and shatteringly crisp.
Paprika: Gives the chicken a beautiful color and a subtle smoky depth.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the savory flavor profile to make every bite count.
Onion powder: Another layer of aromatic, allium-rich goodness that really wakes up the senses.
Cayenne pepper: Delivers extra fire to each mouthful for that real spicy kick.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the best flavors in every layer.
Black pepper: Gives a warm, sharp edge that complements the other spices.
Vegetable oil: High-heat frying oil for a golden, crunchy exterior without burning.
Brioche burger buns: Toasted to soft perfection, these rich buns cradle the fillings in buttery comfort.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the rich, creamy base for the spicy mayo sauce.
Sriracha or hot sauce: Bring the spicy mayo to life by adding fire and tang.
Shredded lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it cuts through the richness with every bite.
Tomato slices: Add juiciness and a pop of color to finish off that classic burger feel.
Pickle slices: Tangy, crunchy, and just the right hit of acidity to balance out all the bold flavors.

How to Make Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

First, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice them in half horizontally, creating four even cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, then add the chicken cutlets, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least an hour; this is where the magic happens, as the buttermilk works to tenderize and flavor the chicken from the inside out.

Step 2: Make the Breading Station

While your chicken is soaking up all that flavor, set up a breading station. In a shallow bowl or dish, stir together your flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This is your key to that crave-worthy, crispy coating. Lay it out next to your bowl of buttermilk marinade to streamline the assembly.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove each cutlet from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. For ultra crunch, give the chicken another dip back into the buttermilk and then into the flour again. This double-coating method is what takes your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger to next-level crispiness!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet to 350°F – use a thermometer if you have one for accuracy. Gently lay the dredged cutlets into the hot oil, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry each for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown and cooked through (reaching 165°F inside). Set them on a wire rack to keep that crust nice and crunchy.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sriracha (or your chosen hot sauce) until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the level of spice to your liking—this sauce is the secret layer of heat and creaminess that ties the whole burger together.

Step 6: Assemble the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

Toast your brioche buns until gloriously golden. Spread spicy mayo generously on both the top and bottom buns. Pile on some shredded lettuce and a fresh tomato slice, then nestle your hot, crispy chicken cutlet right in the center. Top with a couple of pickle slices and crown it with the top bun. Press down gently, and your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is ready to impress!

How to Serve Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger

Garnishes

A Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger shines brightest with just a little extra love on top—think fresh torn herbs, a squeeze of lemon for zing, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the bun. A touch of extra sriracha over the spicy mayo never hurts for the heat lovers in your crowd.

Side Dishes

Pair your burger with classic crispy fries, golden onion rings, or even a bright, tangy slaw to balance the richness. For something lighter, a chilled cucumber salad or sweet potato fries are also amazing partners to the intense flavor and crunch of the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping platter, cut the burgers in halves or quarters and serve each piece skewered with a pickle or pepper. Mini slider versions are fun for parties or game day. Or, let everyone build their own burger with a DIY topping bar filled with extra lettuce, spicy pickles, jalapeños, and a rainbow of sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken cutlets and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep its best texture for 2 to 3 days. To preserve the crispy coating, avoid stacking cutlets directly on top of each other.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken! Let it cool completely and wrap each piece in parchment or foil before sealing in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. This way, you can have a homemade Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To regain maximum crunch, reheat the chicken cutlets in a 375°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. The microwave will zap moisture back in, so skip it if you want to keep that signature bite.

FAQs

How spicy is the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger?

The spice level is pretty flexible! As written, it’s got a medium kick, but you can make it milder by reducing the cayenne or hot sauce—or turn up the fire by adding more to the flour mix or spicy mayo. It’s easy to adjust for heat-seekers or spice-shy eaters alike.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs make an excellent, extra-juicy alternative for your Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger. Prepare and fry them exactly the same way; just watch the cook time since thighs may need a minute or two more.

What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These produce a clean, crisp fry and allow the spices in your crust to really shine, giving the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger its trademark crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free flour blend and make sure your other ingredients (like the sriracha or hot sauce) are gluten-free. You’ll still get that crispy, satisfying bite.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken and always double-dip in both the buttermilk and flour. Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying—this helps the breading stick tightly, ensuring a perfect Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger every time.

Final Thoughts

If you love heat, crunch, and serious flavor, you owe it to yourself to try this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger at home. It’s so satisfying and surprisingly simple to make—once you master this recipe, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Grab those fresh buns and get ready to build your new favorite burger!

Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the spicy and crispy goodness of this homemade Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, this burger is a flavor explosion in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce

Seasoned Flour Mixture:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

Vegetable oil for frying
4 brioche burger buns, toasted
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
1 cup shredded lettuce
4 tomato slices
4 pickle slices

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Instructions

Slice and Marinate Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally. Marinate in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour.
Prepare Flour Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl.
Fry Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, then fry until golden brown and cooked through.
Assemble Burger: Spread spicy mayo on buns, add lettuce, tomato, pickles, crispy chicken, and the top bun.