Panbread with Crunchy Chicken Burgers is a delicious twist on the classic chicken sandwich, pairing perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken patties with soft, warm panbread. The chicken is coated in a golden, crunchy crust that locks in its juiciness, while the panbread—slightly thicker and heartier than a bun—adds a comforting, homemade touch. Top it off with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and your favorite sauces for a burger that’s anything but ordinary.
I first made these Panbread with Crunchy Chicken Burgers during a weekend lunch experiment, and they quickly became a household favorite. The chicken’s crispiness against the tender panbread creates a satisfying texture, while the customizable toppings let you tailor the flavors to suit any craving. Whether you go with a classic ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo, the combination is always a hit. These burgers are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends!
Perfect for:
- Family lunches
- Casual dinner gatherings
- Picnic meals
- Quick comfort food fixes
- Chicken burger enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Panbread with Crunchy Chicken Burgers will become your new favorite go-to:
- Freshly Baked Panbread: A soft and pillowy bread base that elevates the burger experience.
- Crispy Chicken Patties: Juicy chicken patties coated in a perfectly crispy crust.
- Customizable Toppings: Easily adapt the toppings to suit your flavor preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s perfect for sharing.
- Balanced Texture: Combines crunchy, soft, and creamy elements in every bite.
- Easy-to-Make Components: Straightforward recipe with homemade charm.
- Versatile Serving Options: Works as a full meal or as sliders for parties.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Bread and patties can be prepped in advance.
- Healthier Alternative: Control the ingredients for a wholesome take on fast food.
- Satisfying Comfort Food: Perfectly satisfying for any mealtime craving.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including dough rising time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Panbread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Crunchy Chicken Patties:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into fillets or ground
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Cheese slices
- Mayonnaise or aioli
- Pickles
Ingredient Highlights
- Olive Oil: Adds a light flavor and soft texture to the panbread.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Ensures a golden, crunchy crust on the chicken.
- Paprika and Garlic Powder: Infuse the chicken with bold, savory flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Panbread:
- Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Form Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Bake: Divide the dough into six portions, shape into flat rounds, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Chicken Patties:
- Season Chicken: If using whole fillets, season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Patties: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Slice Panbread: Cut the panbread rounds in half horizontally.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread mayo or aioli on the bottom half, add lettuce, a chicken patty, cheese, and any additional toppings. Top with the other half of the panbread.
Serve:
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve immediately with fries, a side salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Panbread with Crunchy Chicken Burgers:
- Classic Combo: Pair with crispy fries and a side of ketchup.
- With Sweet Potato Wedges: A healthier alternative to traditional fries.
- Sliders for Parties: Make smaller versions for a fun party snack.
- With Coleslaw: Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- As a Breakfast Sandwich: Add a fried egg and bacon for a morning twist.
- With a Salad: Balance the richness with a fresh, leafy green salad.
- Gourmet Style: Include caramelized onions, avocado slices, and a special sauce.
- For a Picnic: Wrap in parchment paper for an easy on-the-go meal.
- With Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup.
- Mini Burgers for Kids: Adjust portion sizes and toppings to make them kid-friendly.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a tender, juicy burger. Thighs offer more flavor, while breasts are leaner.
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices.
- Season the Panbread: Brush the panbread with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, herbs, or your favorite seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for a crispier, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Double Toast the Panbread: For an extra crunchy texture, toast the panbread slices twice – once before assembling and once after adding the burger.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top the chicken burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a slice of avocado to balance the richness of the crispy chicken.
- Try a Sweet Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce, such as honey mustard or a mango chutney, complements the crunchiness of the chicken and the savory flavors of the panbread.
- Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: For a smoky taste, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying. This adds depth to the burger.
- Keep the Chicken Juicy: Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.
- Customize the Crunch: Add fried onions or crushed potato chips between the chicken and panbread for an additional layer of crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Burgers: Add cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for heat.
- Herbed Panbread: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the bread dough.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Asian-Inspired Burgers: Add a soy-ginger glaze and kimchi as toppings.
- Cheesy Surprise: Stuff the chicken patties with mozzarella for a gooey center.
- BBQ Style: Top with BBQ sauce, onion rings, and coleslaw.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use a chickpea or mushroom patty instead of chicken.
- Avocado Lovers: Add sliced avocado and spicy mayo for a creamy kick.
- Breakfast Style: Include a hash brown and fried egg for a morning treat.
- Hawaiian Twist: Add grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a tropical flavor.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For baking the panbread.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and breading station.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying the chicken patties.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the panbread and fried patties.
- Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the patties.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the bread and toppings.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought bread instead of homemade panbread?
Yes, but homemade panbread adds a unique texture and flavor to the burgers. - What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best for frying. - Can I bake the chicken patties instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - How can I make the recipe healthier?
Use whole wheat flour for the bread, bake the chicken, and opt for low-fat mayo. - How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the bread and patties?
Yes, both can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving. - What toppings pair well with these burgers?
Options like pickled onions, arugula, or spicy mayo complement the flavors nicely. - Can I make these burgers vegetarian?
Swap the chicken patties with your favorite plant-based alternative. - How do I prevent soggy bread?
Toast the bread lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. - Can I use a different meat?
Ground turkey or beef are great alternatives to chicken.
Conclusion
Panbread with Crunchy Chicken Burgers is a mouthwatering fusion of soft, fluffy panbread and crispy, juicy chicken fillets, making it a perfect comfort meal or indulgent snack. The panbread acts as a deliciously tender bun, offering a warm and slightly chewy texture that complements the crispy, golden chicken. The chicken is coated in a seasoned breading, fried or baked to perfection, and then layered with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce, such as garlic mayo or spicy aioli.
You can customize your burger by adding cheese, pickles, coleslaw, or even a drizzle of hot honey for an extra kick. For a gourmet touch, serve it with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. The combination of the panbread’s softness and the chicken’s crunch makes every bite irresistible.
I can’t wait to see how your Panbread with Crunchy Chicken Burgers turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your hearty, delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!