Crispy Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo

Crispy Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo are the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy chicken, soft buns, and a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce. Each bite delivers an explosion of textures and flavors — crispy coating, tender chicken inside, and a kick of heat from the mayo that balances beautifully with the freshness of lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

This recipe takes the classic fried chicken sandwich and elevates it to restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen. Whether for a weekend dinner, a game-day meal, or a special gathering, these burgers will easily steal the spotlight.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Crispy Chicken Burger recipe because it combines everything I adore about comfort food: crispy textures, rich flavors, and that satisfying crunch that makes every bite irresistible. The chicken is marinated for maximum juiciness, coated in a flavorful spiced flour mix, and fried until golden perfection. What truly ties it together is the homemade spicy mayo — creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of heat.

It’s a restaurant-quality burger that’s simple enough to make at home and endlessly customizable. Every time I make it, it feels indulgent yet comforting, like the kind of meal you’d want to treat yourself with after a long week.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it captures everything people love about a gourmet chicken burger without the need for takeout. The crispy, golden chicken fillet contrasts perfectly with the pillowy brioche buns, while the spicy mayo gives it that signature kick. It’s the kind of recipe that wins hearts at family dinners or impresses guests at a casual gathering.

Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level, toppings, and sauce to your liking — making it an incredibly versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Once you taste the perfect blend of crunch, spice, and creaminess, you’ll understand why this burger deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 burgers
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Spicy Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly

• 4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles (optional)
• Butter for toasting buns

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (for deep or shallow frying)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Marinate the chicken in a buttermilk-spice mixture.
2. Prepare a seasoned flour coating.
3. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
4. Fry the chicken until crispy and golden brown.
5. Mix the spicy mayo ingredients.
6. Assemble the burger with the fried chicken, sauce, and toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces and coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
3. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure a thick coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry chicken for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust spice level if needed.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Lightly butter and toast the brioche buns in a skillet until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Burger

1. Spread spicy mayo on both sides of the bun.
2. Layer lettuce and tomato slices on the bottom bun.
3. Add the crispy chicken fillet.
4. Add pickles (optional) and another layer of spicy mayo.
5. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve these crispy chicken burgers hot with a side of French fries, coleslaw, onion rings, or a simple green salad. Pair it with a cold beverage like iced tea or lemonade for a complete meal. For extra indulgence, serve with a dipping cup of spicy mayo or ranch dressing on the side.

Recipe Tips

• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture for a thicker, crispier crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less hot sauce in the mayo to control the heat.

Variations

1. Grilled Chicken Burger: For a healthier version, grill the marinated chicken instead of frying.
2. Korean-Inspired Burger: Add gochujang paste to the mayo and top with kimchi.
3. BBQ Chicken Burger: Brush fried or grilled chicken with smoky BBQ sauce and top with coleslaw.
4. Cheesy Chicken Burger: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the hot fried chicken for a melty upgrade.
5. Buffalo Chicken Burger: Toss fried chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dressing instead of mayo.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken fillets (unassembled) for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F until hot and crispy.
• Do Not Freeze Assembled Burgers — the buns and veggies will become soggy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Wire rack (for draining fried chicken)
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo are the epitome of indulgent homemade comfort food. With perfectly fried, flavorful chicken, a creamy kick of spicy mayo, and soft toasted buns, this recipe delivers a restaurant-level experience at home. It’s satisfying, customizable, and guaranteed to become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a family meal, or simply craving something special, this burger is a must-try masterpiece that never fails to impress.

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Crispy Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 650 kcal per serving

Description

Crispy Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo are the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy chicken, soft buns, and a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce. Each bite delivers an explosion of textures and flavors — crispy coating, tender chicken inside, and a kick of heat from the mayo that balances beautifully with the freshness of lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Spicy Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly

• 4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles (optional)
• Butter for toasting buns

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (for deep or shallow frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken : In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Coating : In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure a thick coating.
3. Step 3: Fry the Chicken : Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
4. Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo : In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
5. Step 5: Toast the Buns : Lightly butter and toast the brioche buns in a skillet until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Assemble the Burger : Spread spicy mayo on both sides of the bun. Layer lettuce and tomato slices on the bottom bun. Add the crispy chicken fillet. Add pickles (optional) and another layer of spicy mayo. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.

Keywords: Crispy Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo