Hot Honey Ranch Crispy Chicken Burger

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (sliced into 4 thin cutlets)
• 2 cup buttermilk
• 3 tbsp pickle juice
• 1.5 tsp hot sauce (1-2 tsp)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp smoked paprika (for coating)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for coating)
• 1 tsp salt (for coating)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (for coating)
• 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
• avocado oil (for frying)
• 0.33 cup honey
• 1.5 tsp chili flakes (1-2 tsp)
• 2 tsp butter
• 2.5 tsp hot sauce (2-3 tsp for hot honey)
• 4 brioche buns (3-4 buns)
• 4 tbsp ranch dressing (Chosen Foods brand recommended)
• pickles (to serve)

Steps

1. 1

   Mix all marinade ingredients (buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper) in a large bowl or container.

2. 2

   Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. 3

   In a separate shallow bowl, combine all coating ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and baking powder if using.

4. 4

   Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture. Dip it back into the marinade, then coat it a second time in the flour mixture, pressing the coating in well to create crags.

5. 5

   Repeat with the remaining chicken cutlets. Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to set.

6. 6

   Heat avocado oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F / 175°C.

7. 7

   Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

8. 8

   While the chicken fries, make the hot honey by warming the honey, chili flakes, butter, and hot sauce together in a small saucepan over low heat for 1-2 minutes.

9. 9

   Toast the brioche buns until golden.

10. 10

    Assemble the burgers: spread ranch dressing on the bottom and top buns, place the crispy chicken on the bottom bun, drizzle generously with the hot honey, top with pickles, and close with the top bun.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, marinate the chicken overnight. Letting the breaded chicken rest before frying helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off in the oil.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• burger
• fried chicken
• hot honey
• dinner
• game night
• bbq