Spicy Chicken Jr. from Burger King features a tender, spicy-seasoned chicken patty nestled inside a soft, toasted bun with crisp lettuce and creamy mayonnaise, delivering a flavorful and satisfying bite with a perfect blend of heat and freshness.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Bun toaster or grill
- Spatula
- Food prep table
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Squeeze bottle (for mayonnaise)
- Lettuce shredder or knife
- Food-safe gloves
- Serving tray or wrapper
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 soft hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Ground chicken should be fresh and preferably lean to maintain the patty's tenderness and moisture. Using a precise combination of spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes is essential to achieve the signature spicy flavor without overwhelming heat. Breadcrumbs and flour provide the perfect crispy outer layer when fried in hot vegetable oil, so maintaining consistent oil temperature is key. Fresh iceberg lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that balances the spiciness, and lightly toasting the soft hamburger buns prevents sogginess from the mayonnaise. Your homemade Spicy Chicken Jr. from Burger King copycat menu will capture the ideal blend of heat, texture, and freshness with these ingredient insights.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and prepare all equipment.
- Mix ground chicken, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Form two equal chicken patties.
- Set up breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten egg and milk, one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each patty in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Use tongs to lower patties into hot oil; fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove patties and drain on paper towels.
- Slice and toast hamburger buns using bun toaster or grill.
- Spread mayonnaise on top bun using squeeze bottle.
- Place fried chicken patty on bottom bun.
- Layer with shredded lettuce.
- Top with the other bun.
- Serve on tray or wrap to order.
Substitution
The Spicy Chicken Jr. copycat recipe replicates Burger King's tender, spicy-seasoned chicken patty served on a soft bun with fresh lettuce and creamy mayonnaise, delivering a balanced heat and freshness. If ground chicken is unavailable, ground turkey or finely chopped chicken breast can be substituted without significantly altering the flavor or texture. When deep frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to ensure a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior. You can toast buns on a grill or a toaster oven to achieve a slightly smoky flavor and added crunch. Use food-safe gloves during prep to maintain hygiene and reduce direct contact with spicy seasoning mixtures.
Tips
Ensure your ground chicken mixture is well combined but not overworked to maintain a tender patty texture. Maintain the deep fryer temperature precisely at 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and a crispy exterior. Use food-safe gloves when handling shredded lettuce and buns to keep your preparation hygienic. Avoid soggy buns by toasting them just before assembly to preserve that fresh crunch in your Spicy Chicken Jr. sandwich.
Nutritions
Each Spicy Chicken Jr. sandwich provides approximately 450 calories, with protein content around 30 grams from the ground chicken patty. The inclusion of mayonnaise adds roughly 100 calories, primarily from fat, while the vegetable oil used in deep frying contributes additional fats and calories due to absorption. Spices like cayenne, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes not only add flavor but also have metabolism-boosting properties. Your meal also includes dietary fiber and vitamins from the shredded iceberg lettuce, enhancing both nutrition and freshness.
Storage
To keep your Spicy Chicken Jr. fresh, store cooked chicken patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns, mayonnaise, and shredded lettuce separate and refrigerated to maintain texture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month, reheating thoroughly before assembling your sandwich.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or lean pork for a different flavor and texture while maintaining a juicy patty. For a healthier twist, try baking the breaded patties at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of deep frying, using a wire rack to keep them crispy. Swap mayonnaise with a spicy aioli or Greek yogurt mixed with hot sauce to enhance the creamy element and add an extra kick. Experiment with adding finely chopped jalapenos or a dash of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for an intensified smoky heat.
Allergies
The Spicy Chicken Jr. from Burger King contains common allergens including egg, milk, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with allergies to these ingredients. The presence of breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour introduces gluten, making this sandwich unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Your sensitivity to spices such as cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes should also be considered, as these can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Chicken Jr. from Burger King captivates fans with its perfectly balanced heat level and crispy chicken patty paired with fresh lettuce and mayo on a soft bun. Its bold, flavorful taste satisfies cravings without overwhelming the palate, making it ideal for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Recreating this menu item at home lets you control ingredient quality and spice intensity, ensuring a personalized and delicious experience. Your efforts to make a copycat version pay off with a tasty, cost-effective alternative to the fast-food favorite.