Close-up of a breaded chicken fillet with melted cheddar in a soft burger bun

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Spicy Chicken Burger with Beer Cheese Sauce

A take on the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger · P. Terry's →

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About

This is a pub-style chicken burger in two parts: a whole chicken breast marinated in beer and spices, and a beer cheese sauce poured over the top instead of a slice of cheese.

The marinade is light beer with smoked paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes and garlic, and the chicken needs at least four hours in it, in a sealed bag in the fridge. It grills over medium-high heat for ten to fifteen minutes a side, until it reaches 165°F. The sauce is a simple roux of butter and flour, loosened with half and half and more beer and thickened for a few minutes before two cups of sharp Cheddar go in, with smoked paprika, garlic powder and ground mustard to finish. Toast the buns on the grill and pour the sauce on generously just before serving, while it is still loose.

Ingredients

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Beer½ cup light beer
Paprika1 tablespoons smoked paprika
Chili powder1 tablespoon chili powder
Red pepper flakes2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garlic2 garlic cloves, minced
Chicken breast2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Burger bun4 hamburger buns
Butter2 Tablespoons butter
All-purpose flour2 Tablespoons flour
Half and half1 cup half and half
Beer1/2 cup light beer
Cheddar2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Paprika1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garlic powder1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Mustard powder1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Recipe

1
Put the beer, paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes and garlic in a resealable bag, add the chicken and turn it to coat. Press out the air, seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
2
Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high and oil the grate lightly.
3
Grill the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes per side, until no longer pink, the juices run clear and a thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
4
Meanwhile make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour and keep whisking until it becomes a smooth golden paste. Pour in the half and half and beer and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, until thick. Add the cheese and stir 2 to 3 minutes more, until melted, then stir in the paprika, garlic powder and ground mustard.
5
Toast the buns on the grill for about 2 minutes, until marked. Build each burger with your toppings, pour the cheese sauce over and serve at once.

Original recipe and photos: Allrecipes