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Crispy Chicken Burger with Honey Mustard Sauce

A close-up of a towering Crispy Chicken Burger with melted cheese, lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.

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Make a restaurant-quality crispy chicken burger at home. This recipe includes instructions for a very crunchy chicken fillet and a simple, tangy honey mustard sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 4 slices dill pickle
  • 4 leaves butter lettuce
  • For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken halves to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
  2. Set up the breading station: In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second dish, whisk the eggs and milk.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly back into the flour mixture, ensuring the chicken is completely coated. Press the breading onto the chicken to create texture.
  4. Make the sauce: Combine the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  5. Cook the chicken (Frying Method): Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  6. Cook the chicken (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  7. Toast the buns: Lightly toast the cut sides of the brioche buns in a dry pan or under the broiler until golden.
  8. Assemble the burger: Spread a generous amount of honey mustard sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place one lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, top with a crispy chicken fillet, add two pickle slices, and place the top bun on. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  • For extra crispiness, let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar slightly.

Nutrition