Crispy Chicken Fillet Burger

5 from 1 vote

Make the tastiest chicken fillet burger at home with juicy and perfectly crispy buttermilk fried chicken coated in a super flavourful batter.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Marinading time4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, British

Servings:

Calories: 808kcal

Author: Helen

Tenderise the chicken thighs by pounding them with a meat tenderiser or rolling pin.
Place the buttermilk into a large bowl, stir in the salt and add the chicken thighs. Leave to marinade for 4-24 hours if you can (or at least 30 minutes if you can't).
Combine the barbecue mayo ingredients in a small bowl.
Place the flour into a bowl and stir in the remaining breading ingredients. (smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, white pepper and salt).
Put the chicken thighs into the bowl one by one, ensure they are thoroughly coated in the flour mix on all sides and set aside.
Add the oil to a Dutch oven or large saucepan and heat to 180°C or 360°F. Add the first chicken thigh and fry for 3-4 minutes until it is golden and crisp. (Notes 3,4 & 5)
Set aside onto a wire rack or kitchen paper when done and repeat the process with the remaining chicken thighs. (Note 6)
Assemble the burgers. Toast the burger buns (Note 7) and spread barbecue mayo onto both halves of each bun then add lettuce, a piece of fried chicken, gherkins and pickled onion.

Chicken: You can use breast but it won't be as juicy and succulent.
Burger buns: A classic seeded burger bun is my go-to. I tested the recipe with brioche and found its sweetness a little jarring with the savouriness of the fried chicken.
Checking the oil is ready: I strongly advise using a deep-frying thermometer to ensure the oil has reached 180°C or 360°F before you add the chicken. If you don't have one, drop a breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles up then you can start frying, but if it sinks to the bottom the oil isn't hot enough yet.
Frying the chicken: Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if you need to.
Checking doneness: Chicken is cooked when it reaches 75°C or 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check or cut into a piece to check it is white and opaque in the middle.
Keeping the cooked chicken warm: If you are not planning to serve straight away or are making a larger quantity, you can place the fried chicken in the oven heated to 80°C or 175°F.
Toasting the burger buns: Place the burger buns under the grill or use a hot griddle to toast.