If you’re looking for a burger that will awaken your taste buds, the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is the fiery, delicious answer. Juicy chicken thighs, a symphony of spices, and a creamy, tangy sauce come together for a perfect bite every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of gochugaru and paprika in the chicken ensures a bold, spicy kick in every bite.
- Perfectly Crispy: A unique dredge and fry method gives the chicken an unbeatable crunch.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite spices or switch up the sauce to suit your taste.
- Easy Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken in advance so the flavors have time to meld together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger at home means you get to control each element. Here’s how every ingredient works its magic, combining to create delicious harmony.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they are the heart of this burger.
- Gochugaru: Adds the iconic Korean spicy twist, making the heat level just right.
- Japanese mayo: Brings a creamy, umami-rich base to the spicy sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Infuses a hint of sweetness that balances the heat perfectly.
- Burger buns and fresh lettuce: Pair perfectly with the chicken to give the final touch of texture and freshness.
Variations
The beauty of the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is its flexibility. Feel free to tweak it to suit your cravings, dietary preferences, or the ingredient availability at home.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru or substitute with milder chili powders if desired.
- Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with crispy fried tofu or a plant-based substitute, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
- Cheese Selection: Swap American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheesy experience.
How to Make Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
Step 1: Marinade the Chicken
Mingle the luscious thigh meat with a wet batter of egg whites, flour, and a concoction of spices for a flavor infusion that sings with each bite. Let the chicken soak up these flavors in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mix
Blend the flour with spices like gochugaru, paprika, and garlic powder. This forms the crispy coat that transforms each piece of chicken into a crunchy delight.
Step 3: Mix Spicy Creamy Sauce
Whisk together Japanese mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. This creamy concoction with a hint of vinegar tang is the perfect partner to your burger.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
- Layer Your Flavors: Don’t be shy with the wet batter spices, they are crucial for flavor depth.
- Perfect Crunch: Double dip in the dry mix after a quick water dunk for extra crispiness.
- Temperature Control: Keep the oil at the right temp (around 350°F) for a golden crust without burning.
- Bun-to-Chicken Match: Cut chicken to fit the bun size perfectly for a balanced bite every time.
How to Serve Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger
Garnishes
Add slices of fresh, crisp lettuce and a juicy tomato slice to your burger, giving it an even greater burst of freshness. Top with pickles if you love a tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw – something to cool down the heat and complement the textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bun? Serve this chicken masterpiece sliced over a bed of fresh greens for a spicy crispy chicken salad experience. Or, stack multiple mini sliders for a party-friendly version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
Freezing
To freeze cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and seal in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, preserving its crisp and juicy quality.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may be less juicy. To compensate, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
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What’s the best oil for frying?
Use oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. They will remain stable at the frying temperature needed for a crispy exterior.
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Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Absolutely, reduce the Sriracha and chili flakes for a milder version while keeping the other ingredients unchanged.
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How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
Avoid covering the chicken while it cools, and place it on a wire rack after frying to maintain air circulation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making your own Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger at home. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to savor the spicy, crispy goodness that will likely become your new favorite dish!
Print
Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired American
Description
Discover the perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and juicy with this homemade Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger. Featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful batter, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy spicy sauce, fresh lettuce, and melted American cheese, this burger is an explosion of flavor in every bite. Ideal for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe combines bold spices, crisp textures, and savory goodness to elevate your burger game.
Ingredients
Wet Batter
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Dry Mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Spicy Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp chili flakes
Others
- 3 cups ice cold water
- 4 burger buns
- lettuce leaves
- 4 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Chicken Marinade: Mix the egg whites, flour, gochugaru, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with this wet marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavors.
- Dry Mix: Combine the flour, gochugaru, paprika, garlic powder, optional onion powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a separate shallow dish and set aside.
- Spicy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Japanese mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes until smooth. Set aside.
- Dredging: Prepare for breading by setting up a dipping station: one bowl with water (3 cups ice cold water), and the dry mix. Dip each marinated chicken thigh into water, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mix for a thick coating.
- Deep Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels.
- Assembling: Toast the burger buns until lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of spicy sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, place the crispy chicken thigh, top with a slice of American cheese, then layer with more lettuce if desired. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Depending on the size of your burger bun and chicken thigh, consider cutting the thigh in half to better fit the bun.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of gochugaru or Sriracha in the recipe.
- You can substitute gochugaru with chili powder or cayenne pepper for a different spice profile.
- For extra crunch, double bread the chicken by repeating the dredging step before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (about 200g)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
