The Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burger is the ultimate indulgence for fried chicken lovers. Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs are marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy crust, and tucked into a soft bun with all your favorite fixings. Every bite delivers an unbeatable combination of crunch, tenderness, and bold flavor. Perfect for weekend treats, casual gatherings, or when you’re simply craving the best homemade chicken sandwich.

What Makes This Dish Special?
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures it stays incredibly moist and tender. The seasoned flour creates a thick, ultra-crispy coating that crackles with every bite. Paired with toppings like lettuce, pickles, and a creamy sauce, this burger rivals anything you could get from a restaurant — and you get to customize it just the way you like.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Burgers:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickles
- Mayonnaise or special sauce of choice
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, buttermilk, and hot sauce if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer for more flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken thighs in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Assemble the Burgers
Spread mayonnaise or your favorite sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, a fried chicken thigh, tomato slices, pickles, and the top bun.

Variations
- Spicy Burger: Add extra hot sauce to the marinade and sprinkle chili powder into the flour mix.
- Buffalo Style: Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese dressing.
- Southern Style: Add a drizzle of honey over the fried chicken for a sweet-savory flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)
- Paper towels
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Burger)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store fried chicken pieces separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again.
- Freezing: You can freeze fried chicken after cooling. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy.
My Cooking Experience
The first time I made these Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burgers at home, I couldn’t believe how much better they tasted compared to fast food. The buttermilk marinade truly made the chicken incredibly juicy, and the crunchy coating was out of this world. They’re now a must-have for our weekend burger nights, and everyone in the family loves customizing their own toppings.
Conclusion
Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burgers are everything you want in a perfect chicken sandwich — juicy, crispy, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this homemade version is sure to become a favorite you’ll crave again and again.

buttermilk fried crispy chicken burger
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, buttermilk, and hot sauce if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer for more flavor.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken thighs in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Spread mayonnaise or your favorite sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, a fried chicken thigh, tomato slices, pickles, and the top bun.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store fried chicken pieces separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again.