Chicken Burgers Recipe

Chicken Burgers Recipe That’s Juicy and Flavorful

Chicken burgers offer a delightful twist on classic sandwich favorites, bringing lean protein and incredible flavor to your dinner table.

Succulent ground poultry refines into a mouthwatering meal that elevates home cooking beyond ordinary expectations.

These hearty patties combine delicate seasoning with juicy meat, creating a dining experience that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly chicken burgers come together, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals.

The versatility of these burgers allows for endless creative combinations of toppings and seasonings that can match any culinary mood.

Nutritious and quick to prepare, chicken burgers represent a smart alternative to traditional beef options that will please everyone at the table.

Everyone craves a meal that feels indulgent yet remains light and fresh.

Chicken Burgers Everyone Will Want a Bite Of

  • Flavor-Packed Sensation: Combines tangy burger sauce with caramelized onions and juicy ground chicken for an explosion of mouthwatering taste sensations.
  • Foolproof Cooking Method: Simple skillet technique ensures perfectly cooked, golden-brown chicken patties with a crispy exterior and tender interior, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Quick and Customizable Comfort: Whips up delicious homemade burgers in under 30 minutes, allowing endless topping and sauce variations to suit individual preferences and family tastes.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Burger sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance, and patties can be shaped ahead of time, creating a convenient meal solution for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

What You Need for Chicken Burgers

Burger Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Ketchup: Provides sweet and tangy flavor, classic burger sauce component.
  • Sweet Gherkins, Gherkin Juice: Adds sweet and tangy pickle flavor with a hint of acidity.
  • Yellow Mustard: Brings sharp, tangy flavor and depth to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces umami and complex savory notes.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and depth.
  • Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic spiciness.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers mild, rounded garlic flavor.
Burger Patty Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps with caramelization of onions.
  • Yellow Onion: Provides sweet and aromatic base for burger mixture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps with caramelization and balancing flavors.
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for burger patties, lighter alternative to beef.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create light, tender texture.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps keep patties tender.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces depth and savory complexity.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout patties.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for cooking and creating golden crust.
Burger Assembly Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy flavor.

Simple Method for Making Chicken Burgers at Home

Step 1: Blend Creamy Condiment

  • Gather mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Chopped gherkins
  • Gherkin juice
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder

In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the sauce and refrigerate. Let the flavors mingle and intensify for maximum deliciousness. Sauce can be prepared up to a week ahead.

Chicken Burgers:

Step 3: Caramelize Sweet Onions

Heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Melt butter and add chopped onions, sugar, and salt. Cook until golden and soft, about 10 minutes. Add water if onions brown too quickly.

Step 4: Create Burger Mixture

Transfer cooled onions to a large bowl. Add:
  • Ground chicken
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Mayonnaise
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Gently mix ingredients without overworking the meat.

Step 5: Shape Perfect Patties

Form six half-inch thick patties. Press a thumb indent in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 6: Sizzle and Melt

Heat remaining butter and olive oil in skillet. Cook patties in batches, 8-10 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add cheese during final minute of cooking to create a melty topping.

Step 7: Build Mouthwatering Burgers

Spread burger sauce on toasted buns. Layer bottom bun with lettuce, cooked chicken patty, tomato slices, and red onion. Crown with top bun.

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chicken burger feast!

Tips That Make Chicken Burgers Even Better

  • Prevent Overworking Meat: Gently mix chicken patty ingredients to keep the texture light and tender, avoiding tough burgers.
  • Create Perfect Patty Shape: Use a thumb indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging.
  • Achieve Golden Caramelization: Cook onions slowly over medium heat to develop rich, sweet flavor without burning.
  • Monitor Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Rest Burgers Before Serving: Allow cooked patties to rest for 2-3 minutes to help retain juices and maintain optimal texture.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken Burgers Right

  • Refrigerate: Wrap individual chicken burgers in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place burgers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Revive Crispiness: Quickly pan-sear reheated burgers in a skillet with a touch of butter for 1-2 minutes per side to restore the crispy exterior.

Sides and Sauces to Match Chicken Burgers

  • Craft Crisp Beer Pairing: Choose a light, crisp lager or wheat beer to complement the savory chicken burger. The beer's refreshing qualities will cut through the richness of the sauce and melted cheese, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
  • Zesty White Wine Selection: Opt for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines offer bright, citrusy notes that enhance the burger's flavor profile and provide a clean, palate-cleansing experience.
  • Tangy Coleslaw Side Kick: Prepare a creamy, tangy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to add crunch and acidity. This side dish will perfectly balance the burger's richness and provide a fresh contrast to the meat and sauce.
  • Pickle-Powered Accompaniment: Serve crisp, cold dill pickles on the side or integrated into the burger. Their sharp, briny flavor will echo the gherkins in the burger sauce and add an extra layer of zesty complexity to the meal.

Chicken Burger Variations That Keep Things Fresh

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Burger: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the patty mixture and mixing in chipotle powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and a dollop of fresh salsa for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Burger: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley into the chicken mixture. Replace burger sauce with tzatziki and add crumbled feta cheese. Serve on a toasted ciabatta bun with cucumber slices.
  • Asian-Inspired Chicken Burger: Blend ground chicken with minced ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. Create a quick sriracha-mayo spread and top with pickled carrots and fresh cilantro. Serve on a soft brioche bun for added richness.
  • Pesto Chicken Burger: Fold homemade or store-bought basil pesto directly into the chicken mixture. Top with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian-inspired variation.
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Chicken Burgers Recipe

Chicken Burgers Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Juicy chicken burgers bring Mediterranean magic to weeknight dinners with herbed patties and zesty toppings. Crisp exterior and tender center make these burgers a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground chicken (93% lean)
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese

Burger Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 6 brioche burger buns, split and lightly toasted
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 pinch granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Burger Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet gherkins
  • 1 tablespoon juice from gherkin jar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Serving Ingredients:

  • Butterhead lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomato
  • Thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty burger sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped gherkins, tangy gherkin juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until smooth.
  2. Seal the sauce and chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to harmonize. This preparation can be done up to a week ahead.
  3. Caramelize onions in a cast-iron skillet with butter, sprinkling sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook until they transform into a golden, soft mixture, adding water if they brown too quickly.
  4. Transfer the cooled onions to a mixing bowl and gently fold in ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, blending carefully to maintain a light texture.
  5. Sculpt the mixture into six patties, each roughly 1/2-inch thick. Create a subtle dimple in the center of each patty to prevent swelling during cooking.
  6. Sear the patties in a combination of butter and olive oil, cooking approximately 8-10 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Melt a cheese slice atop each patty during the final minute of cooking.
  7. Construct the burgers by generously spreading the prepared sauce on toasted buns. Layer with crisp lettuce, the perfectly cooked chicken patty, juicy tomato slices, and sharp red onion rings.
  8. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately, allowing the flavors to meld and tantalize the taste buds.

Notes

  • Whip up this burger sauce ahead of time to let flavors dance and mingle in the refrigerator.
  • Caramelize onions slowly to unlock deep, sweet notes that will transform your chicken patties from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Gently mix burger ingredients to keep the meat tender, avoiding the tough mistake of overworking the ground chicken.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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