Hot Chili Chicken Burgers are the ultimate spicy indulgence for lovers of bold flavors. These burgers feature crispy, golden-fried chicken breasts marinated in a chili-spiced buttermilk blend, served on soft burger buns with cool lettuce and a fiery chili mayo. The contrast of creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements makes this dish a mouthwatering crowd-pleaser ideal for lunch, dinner, or your next burger night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly spicy: A flavorful blend of chili, paprika, and cayenne delivers just the right amount of heat.
- Crunchy and crispy: The breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Fast and easy: Ready in just over 30 minutes—great for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and toppings to your taste.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Enjoy gourmet-level burgers without leaving your kitchen.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Burgers
- 4 soft burger buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot chili sauce (or more for extra spice)
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and flour.
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
- Dip each marinated chicken breast into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb-flour mixture. Press to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry each chicken breast for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Burgers:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with hot chili sauce, adjusting for your desired heat level.
- Lightly toast the burger buns, if preferred.
- Spread the spicy mayo on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a crispy chicken breast on top.
- Add shredded lettuce and sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
- Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Variations
- Extra spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce directly on the chicken.
- Baked option: Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes for a lighter version.
- Coleslaw topping: Swap lettuce with a tangy slaw for added crunch and flavor.
- Different cheeses: Try pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar.
- Mini sliders: Use smaller buns and cutlets for party-friendly sliders.
storage/reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken and components separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Reassemble burgers fresh to avoid soggy buns.
- Do not microwave the breaded chicken, as it will lose its crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the cayenne and chili sauce to your liking.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.
What buns work best for this burger?
Soft brioche or sesame seed buns complement the spicy chicken nicely.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking is a great alternative—just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and golden.
What sides go well with this burger?
Serve with fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely—ranch, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo are great alternatives.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, flour, and buns for a gluten-free version.
Can I freeze the breaded chicken?
Yes, freeze the uncooked breaded chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Hot Chili Chicken Burgers are the perfect fusion of spice, crunch, and creamy comfort, making them a standout addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or satisfying a spicy craving, this flavorful burger offers a satisfying experience every time. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a fiery favorite that’s sure to please.
PrintHot Chili Chicken Burgers
Spicy and crispy hot chili chicken served in a soft burger bun with fresh lettuce and creamy mayo, these burgers are perfect for those who love a flavorful kick in their meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 soft burger buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot chili sauce (or more for extra spice)
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts into the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and flour.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and hot chili sauce. Adjust the amount of chili sauce to your spice preference.
- Toast the burger buns lightly, if desired.
- Spread the spicy mayo sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a crispy chicken breast on top, followed by a layer of shredded lettuce. Optionally, sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne and chili sauce based on your spice tolerance.
- Try adding pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor.
- Burgers can be baked instead of fried for a healthier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg