Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwiches
If you’re craving a crispy, juicy burger packed with flavor, these crispy chicken burgers with creamy slaw are exactly what you need. With golden, crunchy chicken, soft toasted buns, tangy pickles, and a rich, creamy sauce, every bite is loaded with texture and bold taste. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even weekend gatherings, this recipe brings restaurant-quality burgers straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Easy to make at home
- Packed with flavor and texture
- Better than fast food
- Perfect for family meals or parties
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
For the burgers:
- 4 burger buns
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Fresh parsley (optional)
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Place chicken in buttermilk and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat well in the flour mixture, and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 5–7 minutes per side).
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Mix cabbage and carrots with a bit of sauce to create a creamy slaw.
- Toast burger buns lightly.
- Assemble burgers: bun → crispy chicken → pickles → slaw → sauce → top bun.
- Serve immediately with fries or your favorite side.
Tips for Best Results
- Marinate chicken longer for extra tenderness
- Double-coat chicken for extra crispiness
- Keep oil temperature steady for even frying
- Toast buns for better texture and flavor
Variations
- Make it spicy by adding hot sauce or chili powder
- Use grilled chicken for a lighter version
- Add cheese slices for extra richness
- Swap slaw with lettuce for a simpler burger
Storage
Store fried chicken separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy. Assemble burgers fresh before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and very flavorful.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, but frying gives the crispiest texture. Air frying is also a great option.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Place it on a rack instead of paper towels and avoid covering it.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 burger buns
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- Pickles
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing well to create a crispy crust. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per piece. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the slaw by mixing cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and vinegar until well combined. In another bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Toast the burger buns lightly, then assemble the sandwiches by placing the crispy chicken on the bun, adding slaw, pickles, and drizzling with the sauce. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Serving
Serve hot with fries, chips, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
Tips
- Double coat the chicken for extra crispiness
- Keep oil temperature steady for even frying
- Use fresh buns for the best texture
- Add hot sauce for a spicy version
FAQ
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, but frying gives the crispiest result.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they are juicier and very flavorful.
