Tom Kerridge’s Secret to Perfect Pub Grub: Ultimate Chicken & Bacon Burger Recipe

If you love eating at pubs, you already know how special that crispy chicken burger with rich sauces and smoky bacon tastes. The good news? You don’t have to go out to enjoy it anymore. Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has shared his secret recipe so you can make perfect pub-style burgers at home.

This recipe is all about big flavours, crunchy texture, and creamy sauce. The juicy fried chicken, crispy bacon, and rich blue cheese mayonnaise come together to create a burger that feels like a restaurant treat. Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible so anyone—even a beginner—can make it.

Why This Burger Recipe Is Special

This is not your regular burger. It stands out because:

• The chicken is extra crispy on the outside and juicy inside
• The marinade adds deep flavour and tenderness
• The blue cheese mayo gives a rich, creamy, slightly tangy taste
• The bacon adds a smoky crunch

All these elements together make it next-level comfort food.

Ingredients Overview (Simple Table)

Ingredient	Quantity	Why It’s Used
Chicken thighs	2 large	Juicy and tender meat
Buttermilk	200 ml	Makes chicken soft and flavorful
Cajun spice	2 tsp	Adds spicy kick
Garlic powder	2 tsp	Boosts flavour
Flour + Cornflour	275 g total	Creates crispy coating
Salt & pepper	As needed	Basic seasoning
Vegetable oil	For frying	Makes chicken crispy
Mayonnaise	2 tbsp	Base for sauce
Sour cream	2 tbsp	Adds creaminess
Blue cheese	50 g	Rich and bold taste
Apple cider vinegar	1 tbsp	Adds tanginess
Mustard	1 tsp	Sharp flavour
Chives	2 tbsp	Fresh taste
Burger buns	2	Base of burger
Lettuce	6 leaves	Adds crunch
Bacon	6 rashers	Smoky flavour

Step-by-Step Easy Method

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by gently flattening the chicken thighs. This helps them cook evenly and faster.

2. Marinate for Flavor

Put the chicken in a bowl and mix it with:

• Buttermilk
• Cajun spice
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Let it sit for 30 minutes. This step is very important because it makes the chicken juicy and tasty.

3. Make the Blue Cheese Sauce

In a bowl, mix:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Vinegar
• Mustard
• Chives

Stir well until smooth. This sauce is the secret hero of the burger.

4. Prepare the Crispy Coating

Mix flour and cornflour with salt and pepper.

Now follow this trick:

1. Coat chicken in dry flour mix
2. Dip it back in marinade
3. Coat again in flour

This double coating gives extra crunch.

5. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to around 170°C. Carefully fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Place on tissue to remove extra oil.

6. Assemble the Burger

• Toast the buns lightly
• Spread the blue cheese mayo on both sides
• Add fried chicken
• Add lettuce and bacon
• Close the bun and serve

Now your pub-style chicken burger is ready!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Always use chicken thighs instead of breast for more juiciness
• Don’t skip marination—it makes a huge difference
• Double coating = extra crispy texture
• Keep oil temperature steady for even frying

Why People Love This Recipe?

This recipe has become popular because it brings restaurant-quality food at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can recreate a premium burger experience without spending much money.

Making a perfect pub-style burger at home might sound difficult, but this recipe proves it is actually simple and fun. The combination of crispy fried chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy blue cheese sauce creates a taste that feels rich, satisfying, and unforgettable. Whether you are cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this burger will definitely impress everyone.

The best part is that you can customize it based on your taste, making it even more special. Once you try this recipe, you will understand why it stands out as one of the best comfort foods you can make at home. So next time you crave something delicious, skip the takeaway and make this amazing burger instead.

FAQs