Crispy Chicken Burger with Honey Mustard Coleslaw

Crispy Chicken Burger with Honey Mustard Coleslaw is a homemade fast-food style recipe featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated in a spiced flour mix, and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Served on toasted brioche buns with melted gouda cheese, fresh lettuce, red onion, jalapeños, and a creamy honey mustard coleslaw. This easy chicken sandwich is ideal for weeknight dinners, summer lunches, or crowd-pleasing game day meals.

This crispy chicken burger delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a spiced crunchy crust, topped with melted gouda and a creamy, tangy honey mustard coleslaw. Served on toasted brioche buns with crunchy lettuce and jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 3 large chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
• 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic salt

For the Crispy Coating

• 180 g (1½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp chili flakes

For the Honey Mustard Coleslaw

• ⅓ white cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of black pepper

For Assembly

• Oil for deep frying
• 4 slices Gouda cheese
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• 8 leaves crunchy lettuce (e.g. Romaine or Little Gem)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1–2 jalapeños, sliced

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Place the chicken strips in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, white pepper, and garlic salt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
2. Prepare for Frying
   Preheat the oven to a low heat to keep the cooked chicken warm. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan (no more than one-third full) until hot. Test with a bread cube—it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
3. Mix the Crispy Coating
   In a bowl, combine all the coating ingredients. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the coating mixture until fully covered. Set aside.
4. Fry the Chicken
   Fry 5–6 strips at a time in the hot oil for 3–5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a tray and keep warm in the oven while frying the rest.
5. Make the Coleslaw
   Combine cabbage and carrot with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Assemble the Burgers
   Divide chicken into four portions. Top each pile with a slice of Gouda and melt under the grill or in the oven (optional). Place lettuce and red onion on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Add the chicken, spoon on the coleslaw, scatter over the jalapeños, and cap with the top half of the bun.

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Tips

• Marinate overnight for the most tender, flavorful chicken.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure oil is at 175°C (350°F) for optimal frying.
• Melt the cheese under the grill for a gooey finish, or skip this step if you prefer it unmelted.
• Shred the cabbage finely for a more delicate coleslaw texture.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the cheese: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or spicy pepper jack instead of Gouda.
• Make it spicy: Add hot sauce to the marinade or more chili flakes to the coating.
• Lighten it up: Use grilled chicken instead of fried for a lighter version.
• Bun alternatives: Use ciabatta rolls or whole grain buns if preferred.

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FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and are often juicier.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, but the coating will be less crispy. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes. Marinate the chicken and prepare the coleslaw ahead. Fry the chicken just before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or onion rings.
• Serve with pickles or extra coleslaw on the side.
• Add a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy mayo.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
• Packed with bold, well-balanced flavors
• Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or family meals
• Customizable with different cheeses, toppings, or sauces