The Best Southern Crispy Fried Chicken Burger Recipe Ever Made

Southern crispy fried chicken burgers pack a punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crunchy golden exteriors hide juicy, perfectly seasoned meat waiting to surprise you.

Southern kitchens have long perfected this delectable sandwich style with generations of culinary wisdom.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and bold spices that sing of comfort and tradition.

Crisp breading creates an irresistible crackle when you take that first amazing moment.

Layers of classic southern seasonings infuse every morsel with deep, rich character.

Dive into this recipe and let southern cooking magic happen right in your kitchen.

Crispy Chicken Burgers That Bring Southern Crunch

• Savor Southern Comfort: Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Burgers
• Flavor Explosion: Buttermilk marinade and hot sauce infuse deep, tangy flavors that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering southern delicacy.
• Hassle-Free Preparation: Most steps can be done ahead of time, with marinating and making coleslaw and pimento cheese completed hours before cooking, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
• Weekend Gathering Champion: These burgers deliver restaurant-quality taste with homemade charm, ideal for casual family meals, game day parties, or relaxed weekend get-togethers.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily adapt ingredients like swapping hot sauce intensity or adding different spices to match personal taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients in Crispy Fried Chicken Burgers

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender meat perfect for Southern-style frying.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize chicken and provides tangy flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Adds subtle spicy kick and enhances marinade.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy, golden exterior for chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for flavor balance.
• Paprika: Adds color and mild warmth to coating.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of savory flavor.

• Brioche Buns: Soft, rich bread that complements crispy chicken.
• Pimento Cheese: Classic Southern spread with sharp and creamy notes.
• Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese: Base for pimento cheese.
• Red Peppers: Adds sweet, tangy element to cheese spread.
• Cabbage, Carrots: Fresh, crunchy coleslaw ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binder for coleslaw and cheese spread.
• Vinegar: Provides tanginess to coleslaw.
• Sugar: Balances acidity in coleslaw.
• Bacon Chutney: Sweet and savory spread for burger base.

• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point for deep frying chicken.

Southern Crispy Fried Chicken Burgers – Preparation

Step 1: Kickstart the Chicken Marinade

Grab a large bowl or zipper-lock bag and create a flavor bath for your chicken.

Combine buttermilk and hot sauce to create a tangy marinade that’ll make your chicken sing with excitement.

Submerge the chicken thighs completely, ensuring every inch gets cozy with the marinade.

Let it chill and soak up the goodness for at least half an hour, or if you’re planning ahead, let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Whip Up Crunchy Coleslaw

Create a zesty dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.

Toss the dressing with freshly shredded cabbage and carrots until every strand is perfectly coated.

Pop the coleslaw in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and get cool and crisp.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Pimento Cheese

• Minced red peppers
• Mayonnaise
• Red pepper
• Black pepper

Blend everything until smooth and irresistible.

Stash in the refrigerator to keep it cool and spreadable.

Step 4: Create Crispy Chicken Coating

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Pull chicken from its marinade, give it an extra sprinkle of salt, then lovingly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

Shake off any excess and let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet until it reaches a sizzling 350°F.

Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, letting it transform into a crispy, golden masterpiece.

Fry for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.

Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe and delicious chicken.

Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack to keep that crispiness intact.

Step 6: Build the Ultimate Burger

Toast brioche buns under the broiler until they’re golden and inviting.

Spread a layer of bacon chutney on the bottom bun for an extra flavor punch.

Place the crispy fried chicken thigh on top, crown it with a dollop of pimento cheese, and finish with a generous helping of coleslaw.

Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Fried Chicken Burger Tips With Crispy Finish

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure tender, juicy meat that absorbs maximum flavor and stays incredibly moist during frying.
• Maintain oil at exactly 350°F for crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning the coating or leaving raw interiors.
• Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep fried chicken crisp by preventing steam from making the coating soggy.
• Customize the flour mixture with additional spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for extra kick and personalized flavor profile.
• Coleslaw and pimento cheese can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and saving time during burger assembly.

Fried Chicken Burgers Stored Crispy for a Quick Bite

• Store chicken burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating wet ingredients like coleslaw to prevent soggy buns.
• Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Reheat chicken at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and crisp exterior.
• Avoid microwave reheating as it will make the crispy coating soft and soggy, compromising the burger's delicious texture.

Best Add-Ons For Chicken Burgers

• Savor Southern Comfort Pairings
• Craft Bold Bourbon Cocktail: Blend classic bourbon with sweet tea and a dash of bitters to complement the chicken's rich, crispy flavor and balance the spicy hot sauce marinade.
• Chill Tangy Pickle Slaw Side: Serve a zesty dill pickle and cucumber slaw alongside the burger to cut through the richness and add refreshing crunch that echoes the coleslaw's texture.
• Match Crisp Beer Selection: Choose a cold, hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer to cleanse the palate and stand up to the intense southern-style fried chicken's robust seasoning.
• Enhance Sweet Tea Finish: Prepare a classic Southern sweet tea with extra ice, garnished with fresh mint, to cool down the spicy notes and provide a traditional regional beverage pairing.

Southern Chicken Burger Twists

• Gluten-Free Southern Crunch: Swap wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch for crispy, gluten-free coating. Use gluten-free brioche or lettuce wraps as bun alternatives.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Classic: Replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Substitute dairy cheese with cashew-based pimento cheese spread. Use vegan mayonnaise for coleslaw.
• Baked Lighter Option: Instead of deep-frying, coat chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes. Achieve crispy texture by spraying with olive oil before baking.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños to the flour coating. Mix extra hot sauce into the marinade. Include sliced pickled jalapeños in the burger assembly for additional heat.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade special for this chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat incredibly juicy and soft while adding tangy flavor and helping the coating stick perfectly.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly fried?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F and look for a deep golden-brown exterior that’s crispy and not greasy.

• Can I use a different type of pepper for the pimento cheese?

While traditional pimento cheese uses red peppers, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or even jalapeños for a spicier version without changing the overall texture.

• What's the purpose of adding cornstarch to the flour mixture?

Cornstarch helps create an extra crispy, light coating by preventing gluten formation and ensuring a crunchier exterior that stays crisp longer after frying.

Southern Crispy Fried Chicken Burgers Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern fried chicken burgers deliver a mouthwatering southern comfort classic with golden-brown breaded perfection. Juicy chicken nestled between buttery buns promises a delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds or 907 grams)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese (grated)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) extra sharp white cheddar cheese (grated)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 quart (0.95 liters) peanut oil (for frying)

Additional Components and Condiments:

• 4 brioche buns (toasted)
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup minced roasted red peppers or pimentos
• 1/4 cup hot & smoky bacon chutney

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken thighs with a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce bath, allowing the meat to tenderize and absorb robust flavors for a minimum of half an hour.
2. Craft a zesty coleslaw by whisking together creamy mayonnaise, sharp vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, then thoroughly coating crisp shredded cabbage and carrots until well integrated.
3. Develop a rich pimento cheese spread by blending grated cheeses with vibrant minced red peppers, creamy mayonnaise, and a balanced blend of red and black pepper for complex depth.
4. Create a seasoned flour dredging mixture combining flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic, and onion powder to form a textured coating for the marinated chicken.
5. Carefully remove chicken from marinade, generously season with additional salt, then meticulously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to precisely 350°F, creating the ideal environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
7. Gently lower battered chicken into hot oil, frying until deep golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal crispness.
8. Transfer freshly fried chicken to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining the crisp texture.
9. Lightly toast brioche buns under the broiler to add a delicate crunch and enhance their flavor profile.
10. Assemble the burger by spreading bacon chutney on the bottom bun, layering the crispy chicken thigh, dolloping pimento cheese, and crowning with tangy coleslaw.
11. Serve immediately to preserve the perfect temperature and textural contrast of the burger components.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken thighs thoroughly by pounding them to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and crispy exterior.
• Experiment with marinade by adding garlic powder, cayenne, or herbs to boost flavor complexity and create unique taste profiles.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornmeal, which provides extra crunch and maintains crispy texture.
• Control oil temperature carefully during frying, using a thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 754
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1315 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg