Craving something quick, crispy, and packed with flavor? These BBQ Chicken Burgers are a perfect choice! Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy cornflake crust topped with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and served in a toasted bun with lettuce and melted cheese. This recipe is easy to make, great for weeknights, and so satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Place them on a plate and season both sides generously with half of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning infuses the chicken with flavor before it gets its crispy coating. Set the seasoned chicken aside as you prepare the coating.
Set Up the Coating
Next, organize your coating station. In one mixing bowl, whisk the egg until it’s smooth and slightly frothy. This will act as the adhesive for the coating. In a second bowl, mix the finely crushed cornflakes with the remaining paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the cornflakes are crushed to a fine texture to create a uniform crust on the chicken.
Coat the Chicken
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Take one chicken breast and dip it into the whisked egg, ensuring it’s fully covered on all sides. Lift it out, letting any excess egg drip off, and press it into the cornflake mixture. Turn the chicken over several times, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres evenly. Repeat this process for the second chicken breast. Once coated, the chicken is ready for cooking.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the coated chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy texture on both sides. For safety and optimal taste, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should read 75°C (165°F). If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at the same temperature for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the flavorful BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, and honey. Stir the mixture gently as it warms, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly. Heating the sauce enhances its ability to coat the chicken and gives it a luscious texture. Once warmed, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
After the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each piece of chicken with the warm BBQ sauce. Make sure the sauce covers the entire surface of the chicken, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Assemble the Burgers
With all components ready, assemble your BBQ Chicken Burgers. Start by toasting the buns to add a warm, crisp texture. Lay a fresh lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of the saucy chicken on top of the lettuce, and immediately add a slice of cheese so it melts slightly from the chicken’s heat. Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the cheese, pressing gently to secure the burger. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
BBQ Chicken Burgers
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls (for egg and cornflake coating)
- Plate (for chicken seasoning)
- Air fryer or oven
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
- Tongs or a fork
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts around 300g
- 50 g cornflakes crushed finely
- 1 whisked egg
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 40 g BBQ sauce
- 20 g ketchup
- 1 tbsp honey
- For Assembly:
- 2 toasted buns
- Lettuce leaves
- 2 slices of cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts on a plate and sprinkle them with half of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Set Up the Coating.
- In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix the finely crushed cornflakes with the remaining paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken.
- Dip each chicken breast into the whisked egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press it into the cornflake mixture, turning to coat all sides. Repeat for both chicken breasts.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken.
- Place the coated chicken in an air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F).
- Step 5: Make the Sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, and honey. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce.
- Once the chicken is cooked, dip or brush it with the warm BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- Step 7: Assemble the Burgers.
- Toast the buns and layer each one with lettuce, a piece of saucy chicken, and a slice of cheese. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Crush Cornflakes Thoroughly: Finer crumbs stick better and create a more even coating.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce Warm-Up: Heating the sauce helps it coat the chicken evenly and enhances the flavor.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked at 75°C (165°F).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or crispy potato wedges.
- Add a dollop of coleslaw inside the burger for extra crunch.
- Pair with a light salad or grilled veggies for a balanced meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know cornflakes were created as a breakfast food in 1894? Now, they’re used in recipes like this one for their crispy texture and mild flavor, making them a perfect coating for chicken!
Conclusion
These BBQ Chicken Burgers are a fun, flavorful way to upgrade your burger game. The crispy cornflake coating, sweet BBQ sauce, and melty cheese make for a delicious combination. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking! 🍔✨🐔