Buffalo chicken burger

PREP THE MARINADE

1. 1Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 600ml buttermilk, 50ml vinegar-style hot sauce, 1 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon MSG, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well.
2. 2Step 2: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and butterfly any thick pieces for even cooking.
3. 3Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2–6 hours.

RANCH DRESSING AND BUFFALO SAUCE

1. 1Step 1: To make the ranch dressing, in a small bowl mix together the sour cream, 50ml buttermilk, mayonnaise, chives, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. 2Step 2: To make the buffalo sauce, in a saucepan combine 300ml vinegar-style hot sauce, 100g butter, 60ml honey, 20ml vinegar, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
3. 3Step 3: Heat over medium, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Remove from heat and set aside.

FRY THE CHICKEN

1. 1Step 1: To make the dredge, in a large bowl mix the rice flour, plain flour, 1 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt.
2. 2Step 2: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 180°C (350°F).
3. 3Step 3: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade. Add 2–3 spoonfuls of the marinade to the flour mixture and mix to create crispy bits.
4. 4Step 4: Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure even coverage.
5. 5Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (160°F). Transfer to a wire rack to rest.

ASSEMBLE

1. 1Step 1: Toast the milk buns in a pan with butter until golden.
2. 2Step 2: Spread ranch dressing on the bottom bun and top with a layer of butter lettuce.
3. 3Step 3: Dip the fried chicken in the buffalo sauce, allowing excess to drip off, and place on the lettuce.
4. 4Step 4: Add sliced dill pickles and another dollop of ranch dressing, then top with the other half of the bun.
5. 5Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy!