Introduction
This article provides a detailed overview of a delicious chicken burger recipe that features tender, marinated chicken, crunchy coating, and a creamy garlic mayo. Perfect for dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its juicy flavors and satisfying textures.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken Choices:
– 2 x 250g/8oz chicken breast or 4 boneless thigh fillets
Marinade:
– 3/4 cup buttermilk (see note for substitute)
– 1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1 large egg
Burgers:
– 4 soft buns, split and lightly toasted (10cm/4″)
– 2 – 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced (or other leafy greens of choice)
– 2 tomatoes, sliced (optional)
– 2 gherkins/dill pickles, sliced on an angle
Garlic Mayo:
– 2/3 cup mayonnaise, preferably whole egg
– 3/4 tsp garlic, finely grated (1 clove)
Crunchy Coating:
– 3/4 cup flour, plain/all-purpose
– 1/4 cup corn flour/cornstarch
Fried Chicken Seasoning:
– 1/4 tsp celery salt (or heaped 1/8 tsp celery seed)
– 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
– 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (increase to 1/2 tsp for spicy ZINGER burger!)
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp mustard powder
– 1/4 tsp ginger powder
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
– 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
To Fry:
– 3 cups vegetable oil (or canola or peanut), to a depth of 2.5cm/1” in the cooking vessel.
Prep Time
The preparation time for marinating the chicken is a minimum of 3 hours, but it can be done overnight to enhance the flavors.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 4 minutes per batch of chicken
Total Time: Including marination, the total time can vary from 3 hours to 24 hours for marination plus cooking time.
Yield: This recipe serves 4 burgers.
Enjoy crafting these chicken burgers for a fun and flavorful meal that everyone will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Cover the chicken breasts or thigh fillets with a freezer bag or plastic sheet. Pound the chicken to an even thickness of 1cm / 0.4″. Trim the chicken to be slightly larger than the size of your buns. Reserve off-cuts for other uses, such as stir fry.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and egg to create the marinade. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to ensure it is well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours and up to 24 hours.
Prepare Garlic Mayo
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and finely grated garlic. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.
Make Crunchy Coating
In a bowl, combine the plain flour, corn flour, and all seasoning ingredients. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the marinade from the chicken, using your fingers to mix and form lumps. This mixture will create a crunchy coating for the chicken.
Heat Oil for Frying
In a large heavy-based pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C / 350°F.
Coat the Chicken
Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade and allow excess to drip off. Press the chicken into the crunchy coating until well coated, then shake off any excess flour. Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid touching the chicken for the first 90 seconds to ensure the coating adheres properly. Fry in batches, typically 2 pieces at a time, and transfer cooked pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Burgers
To assemble the burgers, spread the garlic mayo on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted buns. Pile a generous amount of finely sliced lettuce on the bottom half. If desired, add slices of tomato on top of the lettuce. Place the fried chicken on the lettuce, followed by slices of gherkins or dill pickles. Finally, place the top half of the bun over the fillings. Enjoy your freshly made chicken burger!
Notes
Note 1
If you do not have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Note 2
Make sure to use a thermometer to accurately monitor the oil temperature to ensure consistent frying results. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is cooked through; if it is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Cook techniques
Pounding Chicken
Cover the chicken with a freezer bag or plastic sheet and pound to an even thickness of 1cm / 0.4″. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken more tender.
Marinating
Whisk together buttermilk, salt, and egg in a bowl. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Preparing Garlic Mayo
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and finely grated garlic. Refrigerate until needed to enhance the flavors.
Making the Crunchy Coating
Combine plain flour, corn flour, and seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the marinade, mixing with fingers to create lumps for a crunchy texture.
Frying Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-based pot to 180°C/350°F. Coat chicken with the crunchy mixture and fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden. Avoid moving the chicken for the first 90 seconds to allow the coating to adhere properly.
Assembling the Burger
Spread garlic mayo on both top and bottom of the toasted buns. Layer with finely sliced lettuce, optional tomato, fried chicken, and sliced gherkins before closing the burger.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thigh fillets can be used as an alternative to chicken breasts for a juicier burger.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
How can I make the coating spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier zinger burger.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great options for frying due to their high smoke points.
How do I store leftover fried chicken?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Enjoy this deliciously crunchy fried chicken burger, packed with flavor from the marinade and seasoning. The combination of fresh toppings and creamy garlic mayo creates a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a satisfying meal any time!
Spicy Chicken Burger
Add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick, and swap the regular mayo for chipotle mayo for additional flavor.
BBQ Chicken Burger
Replace the garlic mayo with your favorite barbecue sauce and top the burger with crispy fried onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Tropical Chicken Burger
Add slices of grilled pineapple and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce on top of the chicken for a sweet and savory combination.
Italian Chicken Burger
Use a mixture of Italian herbs in the seasoning, and top the burger with fresh mozzarella and basil for an Italian twist.
Guacamole Chicken Burger
Spread guacamole on the bun instead of garlic mayo and add sliced jalapeños for a zesty flavor profile.
Greek Chicken Burger
Top the burger with feta cheese, cucumber slices, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a fresh, Mediterranean touch.
