Chicken Burgers Easy Chicken Patties Recipe

Chicken burgers offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers while still delivering a juicy and flavorful bite. Seasoned with a mix of spices and herbs, these patties are incredibly versatile, easily complemented by a variety of toppings and sauces. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked, they provide a delicious canvas for creative toppings like avocado, caramelized onions, or a tangy barbecue sauce. With their lean profile and ability to absorb flavors, ground chicken burgers are a fantastic option for those looking to explore new flavors or lighten up their burger game without sacrificing taste.

Why make these ground chicken burgers

Juicy and Flavorful: This recipe combines ground chicken with a mix of spices and herbs, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and moisture. Versatile: These chicken burgers can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked, making them adaptable to different cooking methods and kitchen setups. Healthier Option: Using ground chicken instead of beef reduces the overall fat content, offering a leaner alternative without compromising on taste. Customizable: The recipe allows for customization with various toppings and sauces, making it easy to tailor the burgers to suit different tastes and preferences. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Family-Friendly: The flavorful yet mild seasoning profile makes these chicken burgers appealing to both adults and children, making them a great option for family meals.

Ingredients and substitutes

Chicken – I’m using ground chicken thighs but you can use breast as well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure you don’t overcook it. Onion – I like using red Spanish onions but use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure you chop them finely. Garlic – A little goes a long way. Make sure to grate it finely so you don’t bite into large chunks of garlic. You can also use 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Cheese – I love the nutty parmesan and sharp cheese flavor from the cheddar. But you can use another variety of cheese as well. Bread crumbs – This adds stability and helps absorb excess moisture in the patties. Eggs – Help hold all the ingredients together and prevents it from falling apart. Optional ingredients – These patty are very versatile and you can add or substract many ingredients. For example you can add 1 tsp dijon mustard, siracha, lemon juice, fresh parsley. You can also serve these topped or wrap with grilled bacon.

Chicken burger recipe

chicken burger patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with all other ingredients (except the oil).Pro tip – Bring it all together but do not overwork the mixture as it will make the burgers tough. Divide your mixture into 4 large or 6 medium patties.Pro tip – The 4 large burgers will be approximately 8 oz or 250 grams each and 4 medium will be about 6 oz or 160 grams each. Dip your hands in water (this prevents sticking) and helps shape the patties. Make a ball then flatten and shape edges.Pro tip – You can keep these wrapped on a baking sheet in the fridge until you are ready to grill them. Thaw the patties to room temperature an hour before grilling.

Grill patties

Heat the grill on medium-high heat turning the heat down as necessary. Today, I am using an indoor stovetop grill but a skillet, or a cast iron pan work just fine. Add the oil and place the burger on the grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until done. Flip them gently using a metal spatula. For the last minute – add the sliced cheese (optional).Pro tip – Chicken patties are not high in fat so keep the heat to medium, and if necessary, low. Otherwise, the outside with burning while the inside will still be undercooked. If unsure, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the burger should be about 375 to 425 F

Burger sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside.Pro tip – This sauce is perfect not just in the burger with the beef patties but also to dip your fries and onion rings.

Assemble

Split the burger buns and toast the edges on the grill. Place the bun on the plate and add some sauce. Then, place the burger in the sauce and Top the burger with your taste of veggies. I like to add some tomato, grilled onions, and lettuce. You can also add avocado (I don’t like cucumbers on my burger). Serve burgers with your choice of sides like fries, onion rings, or salad. Enjoy!

Tips for success

Use Lean Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to keep the burgers moist without excess fat. Add Moisture: Mix in ingredients like finely chopped onions, grated zucchini, or breadcrumbs to help retain moisture in the burgers. Season Generously: Chicken can be bland on its own, so don’t be afraid to add plenty of herbs, spices, and seasonings to the meat mixture for flavor. Chill the Patties: After shaping the patties, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart on the grill or in the pan. Use a Hot Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat before adding the patties. This ensures a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist. Avoid Overcooking: Chicken burgers can dry out quickly if overcooked. Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink in the center. Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked patties to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger. Serve with Fresh Toppings: Pair the burgers with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a tangy sauce to add texture and flavor.

Creative variations

Creative ways to serve chicken burgers

Bunless Chicken Burger Bowl: Serve the chicken burger patty over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens with your favorite toppings like avocado, tomato, and onion. Drizzle with dressing or sauce for a low-carb option. Stuffed Chicken Burgers: Make a pocket in the center of the chicken burger patty and stuff it with ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, or peppers before cooking. This adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Chicken Burger Sliders: Serve mini chicken burger patties on slider buns with a variety of toppings and condiments. This is perfect for parties or gatherings. Chicken Burger Salad: Chop the chicken burger patty into pieces and serve it on top of a salad with mixed greens, veggies, and a dressing of your choice. Chicken Burger Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a wrap and fill them with the chicken burger patty, avocado, tomato, and other toppings. This is a light and refreshing way to enjoy a chicken burger. Chicken Burger Skewers: Cut the chicken burger patty into cubes and skewer them with veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Grill or bake the skewers for a fun and flavorful meal.

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