Chicken Burger
A crispy or grilled chicken burger — pounded chicken breast or thigh on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and creamy sauce. Faster than fried chicken but equally satisfying. Brining is the difference between great and average chicken burgers.
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Servings
2
Calories
313 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Chicken Patty½
- Bun½
- Lettuce1 cups
- Tomato1 medium
- Onion½ medium
- Mayonnaise1 ½ tbsp
- Salt½ tsp
- Black Pepper¼ tsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 2 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Chicken Patty0.5
- Bun0.5
- Lettuce1 cups
- Tomato1 medium
- Onion0.5 medium
- Mayonnaise1.5 tbsp
- Salt0.5 tsp
- Black Pepper0.25 tsp
Instructions
- 1
Pound 4 chicken thighs (or breasts) to ½-inch thickness. Brine in 1 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- 2
For crispy version (recommended): set up dredge — ½ cup flour + 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 beaten eggs; 1.5 cups panko + ½ cup grated Parmesan + 1 teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon cayenne + 1 teaspoon salt. Dredge each chicken piece. Chill 15 minutes.
- 3
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry the breaded chicken 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
- 4
For grilled version: brush chicken with olive oil, grill 5-6 minutes per side. Brush with BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce in the last minute if desired.
- 5
Make the sauce: ¼ cup mayo + 1 tablespoon Dijon + 1 teaspoon hot sauce + 1 teaspoon honey.
- 6
Toast 4 brioche or potato buns. Build each burger: bottom bun with sauce, lettuce, tomato slice, the chicken, sliced pickles, slice of cheese (optional), top bun. Eat immediately.
Watch how to make Chicken Burger
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Brine the chicken. 2 hours minimum, overnight is much better. The acid tenderizes and seasons the chicken throughout.
- 2.Pound to even thickness. ½-inch is the sweet spot — cooks in 8 minutes and fits the bun shape.
- 3.Crispy vs grilled is your choice. Both are valid. Crispy is more indulgent; grilled is healthier.
- 4.Pickles are non-negotiable. The acidity cuts through the rich chicken and bun. Don't skip.
🔬 Why It Works
Chicken burgers succeed when the chicken is properly seasoned (brine), cooked to right temperature (165°F internal), and balanced with bright toppings (pickles, lettuce, sauce). The variety of textures and flavors (crispy or grilled chicken, soft bun, cool lettuce, tangy pickles, creamy sauce) creates the satisfying eating experience that defines a good burger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crispy or grilled?▾
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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