Description
This Crispy Chicken Burger recipe features juicy, breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection and served on soft burger buns with fresh lettuce, vegetables, and a tangy honey Dijon sauce. A perfect easy-to-make comfort food that balances crispy textures with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy Chicken
- 4 small chicken breasts (room temperature; if using 2 large ones, cut in half lengthwise)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for cooking
For the Toppings
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and vegetables of choice
For the Honey Dijon Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 5-6 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to ensure even flavoring throughout.
- Breading Process: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the breaded chicken breasts in the oil and fry for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, white wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns lightly if desired. Spread a generous amount of honey Dijon sauce on both bun halves. Place the crispy chicken breast on the bottom bun, add lettuce and your choice of vegetables, then top with the other bun half.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying.
- If you prefer, bake the breaded chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier alternative.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the heat level.
