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This Crispy Panko Chicken Burger recipe will show you how to make the best crispy chicken burger your way - fried, baked, or air fried! Bring your fast food favorite at home and enjoy whenever you’ve got a craving for some crispy chicken!
The Love for Crispy Chicken
My favorite meaty burger would have to be a crispy chicken sandwich. From McDonald’s India, my favorite burger was the McSpicy Chicken. In Canada, my favorite crispy chicken sandwich is the KFC Zinger Burger. I can’t tell you how many cravings I’ve had for it, and I just go out and get it! I’m not sure what it is that I love about crispy chicken so much… I just love the crunch on the outside, but how juicy and tender chicken is on the inside. Having that amazing chicken wrapped up in burger buns is such a delightful experience! If you really want to, you can step it up a notch and use some leftover dinner rolls as burger buns!
But let’s be honest and say that as much as we wish we could eat it every day, we probably shouldn’t! Not to mention that the burgers are quite expensive when you compare it to the cost of making it yourself, adding up the quantities of the ingredients you use in the recipe!
If you bake or air fry the chicken, however, you’re making this sandwich much healthier by avoiding all of the vegetable oil used to fry the chicken. Not to mention that this will make less of a mess, so it’s going to cook faster too! That’s always a bonus!
I’ll give some more details on how to make a crispy chicken sandwich at home healthy, so let’s get on to the recipe!
Tools Needed
Ingredients for Panko Chicken Burgers
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your crispy chicken:
- Chicken breast
- Flour
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
That’s it! It’s super basic, but a few ingredients will really go a long way!
How to Make the Best Crispy Chicken Burgers
Preparing and Breading the Chicken
Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or between two plastic wraps and pound thin using a meat tenderizer (about 1/4 inch thickness). If using a large chicken breast (>150 g) cut the chicken into smaller portions by cutting it diagonally in two equal halves.
Measure out the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in different plates or large bowls. Season flour with salt and pepper, lightly whisk the egg.
Working with one chicken portion at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess. Dip the chicken in the egg and evenly coat both sides. Let excess drip off and coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs on the chicken for an extra crispy chicken.
Shallow-Fried Crispy Panko Chicken Burger Variation
Frying the Chicken
In a pan, heat about 1/2 cup of oil on medium heat and fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the chicken to help evenly brown each side.
Once the chicken has finished cooking, set it aside on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. The wire rack will help prevent the crispy crust from turning soggy.
As the chicken is cooking, start cooking the bacon by placing it on a cold pan and setting it to medium heat. Cook, turning every 2-3 minutes until crispy. Toast the burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread 1 Tbsp of mayo (I recommend homemade mayonnaise!) and buffalo sauce on the buns. Add the lettuce, tomato, crispy chicken, bacon, and onions. Place the top bun over the bottom.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked Panko Chicken Burger Variation
Baking the Chicken
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Bake on the top-most rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes turning once at the 7 minute mark. In the final two minutes of cooking, turn on the broiler to lightly roast the breadcrumbs.
As the chicken is cooking, toast your burger buns and prepare the burger toppings. When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread 1 Tbsp of BBQ sauce on the buns. Add the lettuce, tomato, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, and avocado slices. Place the top bun over the bottom.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Air Fryer Panko Chicken Burger
- Place breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and set the air fryer to Air Fry mode, at 375 F and set timer for 20 minutes.
- After 5 minutes have passed, brush each side of the chicken with oil, flip the chicken and resume the air fryer.
- With 5 minutes remaining on the timer the chicken should be golden brown across. Add the cheese over the chicken and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
- As the chicken is cooking, toast your burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
- When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the sriracha sauce and mayonnaise on the buns.
- Add the lettuce, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, onion and avocado slices. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
Which Panko Chicken Burger to Choose?
If you’re like me you want to eat delicious food every day. I’m assuming that’s why you’re here! With a classic crispy chicken burger, we use oil to shallow fry the chicken. This adds to the fat content of the burger. Additionally, the oils used to fry, such as canola oil and vegetable oil, are not considered the healthiest cooking oils. Furthermore, it can make quite a mess to fill your pan with oil, fry the chicken, then discard the oil and clean your pan. You also need to place paper towel on the counter when your chicken has finished cooking to pat out the excess oil.
On the other hand, you’ll just need a wire rack and baking tray to bake the chicken. You’re also avoiding the extra fat content that comes from frying. However, while I do say that the baked version is extremely crispy, let’s be honest here and admit that it just isn’t the same fast food flavor you get from the fried version.
The third option is air frying. That’s become my new favorite choice! I love air frying my French fries or chicken wings, as you can see from my Juicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings and Spicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings recipes! If you want an ultra-close option in terms of crispiness and taste to actually shallow frying the crispy chicken burger, then the air fryer is the way to go!
So what do you do? Well, it’s up to you! Just like how you can easily use my Yogurt Caesar-Sour Cream Dressing as a sauce for the buns.
You can easily make the baked and air fryer options for a nutritious lunch or dinner. It won’t take much clean-up or preparation time. As the chicken bakes, you can go ahead and do something else.
If you’re looking forward to replicating your fast food favorite and bring some nostalgia, then go ahead and make the fried version! There’s a time and a place to indulge and treat yourself. Balance is key. But with the three options I’m showing you here, there’s no reason NOT to enjoy a crispy chicken burger! You can make it an every day thing with the baked version, or a special occasion with the fried version!
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Burger
Of course you could serve this crispy chicken sandwich with some fries! I have three French Fry recipe options:
- Oven Baked Homemade Crispy French Fries
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Restaurant-Style Deep Fried French Fries
Choose whatever you’re in the mood for! For a lighter side, you could make my Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad - if you’re already using the Homemade Yogurt Caesar Dressing in this burger, then you’re already half way there!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?▼
Thighs will fit right in to this recipe. They are more tender than chicken breast and will give much more flavor that chicken breast. If you prefer chicken thighs over chicken breast, go ahead and replace it.
Freezing the Crispy Chicken Patty
The breaded panko chicken can easily be prepped in advance and frozen for use later. This is very convenient for weeknight dinners, it will save you up to 15-20 minutes if your prepare the chicken in advance. Furthermore, this recipe for breaded chicken can also be adapted for all of these awesome recipes:
- Classic Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Marinara
- Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parm Sandwich
- Lemon and Thyme Chicken Schnitzel
To freeze the chicken, cover the chicken with parchment paper and then wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, transfer the patties to a freezer safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
To defrost and use, remove the chicken from the freezer the night before and let the chicken defrost naturally.
Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments! If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to post it on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you!
Recipe by Anadi Misra
Crispy Panko Chicken Burger made, baked, fried, or air-fried! Golden, crunchy coating with juicy chicken inside. A healthier take on a fast-food favorite that the whole family will love.
Oven-baked
Rate this recipe ✦
15 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Total
2
burgers
medium
Level
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tap any quantity to scale
For breading the chicken
For the baked or air fried crispy chicken burger
- mayonnaise and sriracha sauceShop →
- lettuce
- cucumber slices
- onions(sliced)
- avocado
- burger buns
For the shallow-fried crispy chicken burger
- mayonnaise · make your own
- buffalo sauceShop →
- cheddar cheese slices
- lettuce
- tomato(1/4 inch thick slices)Shop →
- onion(sliced into rings, 1/4 inch thick)
- bacon strips
- burger buns
- peanut oil(for shallow frying)Shop →
Instructions
For breading the chicken
- 1
Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or between two plastic wraps and pound thin using a meat tenderizer (about 1/4 inch thickness).
Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or between two plastic wraps and pound thin using a meat tenderizer (about 1/4 inch thickness).
- 2
If using a large chicken breast (>5.5 oz) cut the chicken into smaller portions by cutting it diagonally in two equal halves.
If using a large chicken breast (>5.5 oz) cut the chicken into smaller portions by cutting it diagonally in two equal halves.
- 3
Measure out the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in different plates or large bowls. Season flour with salt, pepper and cayenne/paprika, lightly whisk the egg and season breadcrumbs with oregano.
Measure out the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in different plates or large bowls. Season flour with salt, pepper and cayenne/paprika, lightly whisk the egg and season breadcrumbs with oregano.
- 4
Working with one chicken portion at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess. Dip the chicken in the egg and evenly coat both sides. Let excess drip off and coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs on the chicken for an extra crispy chicken.
Working with one chicken portion at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess. Dip the chicken in the egg and evenly coat both sides. Let excess drip off and coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs on the chicken for an extra crispy chicken.
For the crispy baked chicken burger
- 1
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- 2
Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Bake on the top-most rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes turning once at the 7 minute mark. In the final two minutes of cooking, turn on the broiler to lightly roast the breadcrumbs.
Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Bake on the top-most rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes turning once at the 7 minute mark. In the final two minutes of cooking, turn on the broiler to lightly roast the breadcrumbs.
- 3
As the chicken is cooking, toast your burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
As the chicken is cooking, toast your burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
- 4
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the BBQ sauce on the buns.
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the BBQ sauce on the buns.
- 5
Add the lettuce, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, onion and avocado slices. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
Add the lettuce, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, onion and avocado slices. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
For the shallow-fried crispy chicken burger
- 1
In a pan, heat about ½ cup of oil on medium heat and fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the chicken to help evenly brown each side.
In a pan, heat about ½ cup of oil on medium heat and fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the chicken to help evenly brown each side.
- 2
Once the chicken has finished cooking, set it aside on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and top with cheese. The residual heat will be enough to melt the cheese. You can also place the baking sheet under the broiler for 30 seconds if you want.
Once the chicken has finished cooking, set it aside on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and top with cheese. The residual heat will be enough to melt the cheese. You can also place the baking sheet under the broiler for 30 seconds if you want.
- 3
As the chicken is cooking, start cooking the bacon by placing it on a cold pan and setting it to medium heat. Cook, turning every 2-3 minutes until crispy. Toast the burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
As the chicken is cooking, start cooking the bacon by placing it on a cold pan and setting it to medium heat. Cook, turning every 2-3 minutes until crispy. Toast the burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
- 4
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the mayonnaise and buffalo sauce on the buns.
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the mayonnaise and buffalo sauce on the buns.
- 5
Add the lettuce, tomato, crispy chicken, bacon, and onions. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
Add the lettuce, tomato, crispy chicken, bacon, and onions. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
For the air fryer crispy chicken burger
- 1
Place breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and set the air fryer to Air Fry mode, at 375 F and set timer for 20 minutes.
Place breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and set the air fryer to Air Fry mode, at 375°F (191°C) and set timer for 20 minutes.
- 2
After 5 minutes have passed, brush each side of the chicken with oil, flip the chicken and resume the air fryer.
After 5 minutes have passed, brush each side of the chicken with oil, flip the chicken and resume the air fryer.
- 3
With 5 minutes remaining on the timer the chicken should be golden brown across. Add the cheese over the chicken and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
With 5 minutes remaining on the timer the chicken should be golden brown across. Add the cheese over the chicken and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
- 4
As the chicken is cooking, toast your burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
As the chicken is cooking, toast your burger buns and prepare the burger toppings.
- 5
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the sriracha sauce and mayonnaise on the buns.
When the chicken has finished cooking, begin assembling the burger. Spread the sriracha sauce and mayonnaise on the buns.
- 6
Add the lettuce, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, onion and avocado slices. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
Add the lettuce, crispy chicken, cucumber slices, onion and avocado slices. Place the top bun over the bottom. Serve hot and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Tag @cooking.with.anadi on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingwithanadi
Tested & written in Anadi’s kitchen
Recipe history
- April 16, 2026 — Reworked and refreshed for the 2026 relaunch — new photography, restructured and standardized ingredients & instructions.
Filed under
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