Print

Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon

Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon
Print Recipe

This Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon is a perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken smashed and fried to golden perfection, smoky crispy bacon, and a creamy spicy mayo sauce. Served on toasted hamburger buns with fresh lettuce and tomato slices, this homemade burger delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures ideal for quick dinners or weekend treats. Easily customizable in heat level and protein choices, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Bacon

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 6 bacon strips
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Butter or oil, for frying (2 tbsp)

Spicy Mayo

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tbsp hot sauce or chili paste (adjust to taste)

Burger Assembly

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Butter, for toasting buns (1 tbsp)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (4 pieces)
  • Tomato slices (4 slices)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen hot sauce or chili paste. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spiciness gradually to suit your taste. Refrigerate while preparing other components to let flavors meld.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, but keep the bacon drippings in the pan for added flavor when cooking the chicken.
  3. Smash and Cook the Chicken: Lightly oil the skillet with butter or oil and heat over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in the pan and use a spatula or heavy spoon to firmly press (“smash”) the chicken thinly and evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden and crispy, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.
  4. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the hamburger buns. Toast them in the same skillet or on a griddle until golden brown and slightly crispy. This helps keep the buns from becoming soggy when assembled.
  5. Assemble the Burger: Spread a generous layer of spicy mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Layer fresh lettuce and tomato slices on the bottom bun, followed by the smashed chicken patty and crispy bacon strips. Cap with the top bun and press lightly to hold together.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that crisps well.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan for even searing.
  • Chill chicken patties briefly before smashing to help maintain shape.
  • Make spicy mayo ahead to deepen flavors.
  • Press spatula firmly when smashing the chicken to achieve a thin, crispy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash chicken burger, spicy mayo burger, bacon chicken burger, crispy chicken burger, homemade chicken burger, easy chicken burger, pan-fried chicken burger

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/smash-chicken-burger-with-spicy-mayo-bacon/