Crispy Chicken Burger with Spicy Hot Honey Glaze

This crispy chicken burger is everything you want in a homemade comfort meal. Juicy chicken, a shatteringly crisp coating, and a sticky spicy hot honey glaze that balances heat and sweetness beautifully. It is straightforward to make, suitable for confident beginners, and comes together in about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
• 240 ml buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

For the crispy coating

• 120 g plain flour
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt

For the spicy hot honey glaze

• 120 ml runny honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 0.5 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp butter

For assembling the burgers

• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 slices mild cheese
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced pickles
• Mayonnaise

How to Make Crispy Chicken Burger with Spicy Hot Honey Glaze

Prepare the oven and oil

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 4 cm and heat gently until hot. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles on contact.

Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken pieces into a bowl with the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Turn to coat well and leave for 15 minutes while you prepare the coating.

Coat the chicken

Mix the flour, cornflour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow bowl. Lift each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allow excess to drip off, then press firmly into the flour mixture until well coated.

Fry until crisp

Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until deeply golden and crisp. Transfer to a baking tray and place in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Make the hot honey glaze

Place the honey, hot sauce, chilli flakes, vinegar, and butter into a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Do not boil.

Assemble the burgers

Lightly toast the brioche buns. Place the chicken on the bottom bun, spoon over the hot honey glaze, add cheese, lettuce, pickles, and a little mayonnaise. Finish with the top bun and serve straight away.

Tips

How do I keep the chicken extra crispy

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Finishing the chicken in the oven helps keep the coating crisp without burning.

Can I make the glaze less spicy

Reduce the hot sauce and chilli flakes, or swap hot sauce for mild chilli sauce for a gentler heat.

Why use cornflour in the coating

Cornflour lightens the flour and creates a crisper texture that stays crunchy for longer.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with skin-on fries or sweet potato wedges
• Add a simple coleslaw on the side
• Pair with corn on the cob or a fresh green salad

Storage

Room temperature

These burgers are best eaten fresh and should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

Store cooked chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Freezing

The cooked, unglazed chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost fully and reheat in the oven before adding the glaze.

Nutrition

• Calories. 520 kcal
• Carbohydrates. 48 g
• Protein. 32 g
• Fat. 24 g
• Saturated fat. 7 g
• Sodium. 980 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying

Yes. Bake at 200°C fan for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once. The coating will be slightly less crisp but still delicious.

What can I use instead of buttermilk

Milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar works well as a substitute.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time

You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before frying.

Is this burger very spicy

It has a gentle heat that can be adjusted easily. Add more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.