Reg's Beer Batter Phlippen Chicken Burger is not only a masterpiece, but also a Phlippen tongue twister. Say it three times fast, then go make it. Crispy, golden beer-battered chicken gets tossed in Phlippens while it's still hot, so every crunchy bite is smoky, saucy and stacked on a toasted bun.
Prep: 20m | Cook: 15m | Heat: Your call (Original for zero heat, Hot for a kick)
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally into 4 thin cutlets
- ½ cup Phlippens (Original or Hot), plus extra for the bun
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus ½ cup for dredging
- 1 cup cold lager-style beer
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded lettuce
- Dill pickle slices
The Gear:
- Large heavy pot or deep skillet
- Deep-fry or instant-read thermometer
- Two shallow bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack set over a baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
Instructions:
- The Oil: Pour about 2 inches of oil into a heavy pot and heat it to 350°F.
- The Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk 1 cup flour with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Whisk in the egg and cold beer until just smooth. Put the remaining ½ cup flour in a second shallow bowl.
- The Dredge: Pat the chicken dry. Dust each cutlet in plain flour, shake off the extra, then dip it into the beer batter and let the excess drip off.
- The Fry: Fry the chicken two pieces at a time for 3 to 4 minutes a side, until deep golden and 165°F inside. Rest on the wire rack.
- The Toss: While the chicken is still hot, toss it in a large bowl with ½ cup Phlippens until every piece is coated.
- The Build: Spread mayonnaise and a little extra Phlippens on the toasted buns. Stack on lettuce, the saucy chicken and pickles, then top it off.
Phlippen Tip: Keep the beer ice cold and don't overmix the batter. Cold, slightly lumpy batter is what gives you that light, shatteringly crisp crust.
Pro-Tips & Pairings:
- Make It Tenders: Cut the chicken into strips instead and serve with extra Phlippens for dipping.
- Drink This: The same lager you put in the batter. Obviously.
- Hungry for More? Still building burgers? Try The Ultimate Phlippen Burger or go island-style with The Rasta Rooster.
