Crispy Chicken Burger

The ultimate crispy chicken burger recipe that’s golden and crunchy on the outside and tender-juicy on the inside!

  • Total 35 minutes
  • Serves 2 chicken burgers
  • Dinner
  • American
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Close up photo of a Crispy Chicken Burger

The ultimate crispy chicken burger recipe that’s golden and crunchy on the outside and tender-juicy on the inside!

Two Crispy Chicken Burgers stacked on top of each other with a bite taken out of the top one more

Why this recipe works

Crispy chicken burger or crispy chicken sandwich, whichever you call it, it all starts with the best crunchy fried chicken breading. First, give the chicken a good dip in the flour and seasonings, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, followed by one more dip into the dry ingredients. Then, pan-fry those patties until they’re perfectly golden and crisp. A good foundation makes a world of difference when it comes to fried chicken patties!

Two Crispy Chicken Burgers parchment lined wire rack

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Burger

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CHICKEN – This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You want to trim them to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate in the oil.

BREADING – Feel free to season the flour mixture however you’d like, sometimes we like to add a bit of paprika to the mix. The buttermilk and eggs work together to help tenderize and bind the breading to the chicken.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Burger

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. Trim chicken breasts to get to an even thickness and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Lay out two breading trays. In one of the trays, whisk together all the dry ingredients.

    CHEF’S TIP – We use breading trays, but if you don’t have them, shallow bowls, plates, or platters will do the trick.

    breading tray with flour and seasonings
  3. In the second tray, whisk together buttermilk and egg.buttermilk and egg mixture in a breading tray
  4. Dredge chicken breasts in flour, gently pressing to adhere. Gently shake off excess.chicken breast dipped in flour and seasonings
  5. Dip floured chicken breast in egg mixture and turn to coat completely.breaded chicken breast in buttermilk mixturedredged chicken breast in buttermilk mixture
  6. Return chicken breasts to the flour mixture for a second coat, being sure to cover all sides. Place on wire rack to rest while you bring the oil to temperature.coating dredged chicken patty in flour
  7. Add enough oil to skillet to come about 1/2-inch up the sides of the pan. Heat oil over medium-high until temperature reads 345 F.

    EXPERT TIP – We use a heat temperature gun whenever we need to heat oil to a certain temperature. It’s accurate and much safer than thermometers that require your hand to get near the hot oil.

  8. Cook chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F.frying chicken burgers over hot oil in a skilletfried chicken burgers in a skillet with oil
  9. Remove to wire rack and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve on sandwich buns.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do you store leftover crispy chicken burgers?

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or 350F oven until warmed through to help crisp it back up.

Hand holding up a Crispy Chicken Burger

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy chicken burger with your favorite toppings. Sliced tomato, pickle, mayo, lettuce, and onion. They’re also delicious drizzled with hot honey or spicy mayo! Enjoy with a side of french fries, sweet potato fries, potato chips, coleslaw, onion rings, you name it.

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