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Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger with Gochugaru and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 91 reviews

This Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger features marinated boneless chicken thighs double-dredged in a spicy flour mix, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Paired with a flavorful spicy mayo-based sauce, crisp lettuce, and melty American cheese on toasted buns, this burger delivers a perfect blend of heat, crunch, and savory goodness. Ideal for a satisfying homemade fried chicken sandwich experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar

Dry Mix for Dredging

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tbsp gochugaru
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar

Spicy Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Japanese mayo
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1/2 tbsp chili flakes

Other Ingredients

  • 3 cups ice cold water
  • Burger buns
  • Lettuce
  • American cheese slices
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, mix 2 egg whites, 1 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp gochugaru, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar thoroughly to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the 4 boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 tbsp gochugaru, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder (optional), 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Stir to blend evenly.
  4. Prepare Spicy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Japanese mayo, 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha, 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/2 tbsp chili flakes. Set aside.
  5. Dredge the Chicken: Lightly coat one chicken thigh piece in the dry mix, ensuring full coverage. Then dip it into 3 cups of ice cold water for 5 seconds, being careful not to rub off the flour coating. Lift and let it rest for 10 seconds so excess water doesn’t drip into the dry mix.
  6. Second Coating: Dredge the chicken again in the dry mix, fully coating it. Repeat the water dip and dry dredge process once more for a total of two coatings. Use fresh ice water for each piece. Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
  7. Deep Fry the Chicken: Heat oil over medium heat for deep frying. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 10-15 minutes depending on your stovetop settings.
  8. Optional Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier crust, fry the chicken for an additional 5-8 minutes after the initial frying time.
  9. Rest the Fried Chicken: Remove the chicken from oil and let it rest on a rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and additional gochugaru if desired to enhance flavor.
  10. Toast the Buns and Assemble: Lightly toast the burger buns. Generously spread the prepared spicy sauce on both halves. Place a slice of American cheese, fried chicken, and lettuce on the bottom bun. Top with the other bun half, then serve immediately and enjoy your spicy crispy chicken burger!

Notes

  • Using boneless chicken thighs ensures juiciness and tender texture in the burger.
  • Double dredging with a water dip in between helps achieve an extra crispy crust.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust the gochugaru and chili flakes quantities for your preferred spice level.
  • Use fresh ice cold water for each chicken piece to maintain coating adhesion and crispiness.
  • Keep oil temperature consistent to avoid undercooked or overly greasy chicken.

Keywords: Spicy chicken burger, crispy fried chicken sandwich, Korean chicken sandwich, gochugaru chicken burger, homemade chicken burger