Chicken Burger
If you’re craving the taste of a classic burger but want something on the lighter side, this homemade chicken burger recipe is your perfect match! Made with ground chicken that’s seasoned just right, this burger offers a juicy bite that’s packed with flavor. It’s a tasty, high-protein alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for a healthier twist.
Chicken burgers sometimes get a bad reputation for being dry or bland, but this recipe is crafted to avoid those pitfalls. The addition of a few key seasonings and a dash of olive oil helps these patties stay moist and flavorful. You’ll get a burger that’s tender and juicy, with each bite infused with delicious spices and a hint of smokiness.
One of the best things about this chicken burger recipe is how adaptable it is. You can dress it up with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheddar, or get creative with options like avocado, coleslaw, or even a spicy kick of jalapeños. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just adding extra veggies, you can tailor this recipe to fit any dietary preference.
Why This Chicken Burger Will Be Your New Favorite
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Lighter Choice: Using ground chicken instead of beef, this burger is lower in fat and calories, making it a great option for a wholesome meal that’s easy on the waistline but still filling.
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Packed with Flavor: With a blend of seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a touch of olive oil, these chicken burgers are anything but boring. Each bite is flavorful, juicy, and satisfying.
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Quick and Easy to Make: With a simple mix of ingredients, you can prepare these burgers in no time. They’re perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with family and friends.
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Versatile: Customize this recipe to fit your taste! From classic toppings to unique additions like sriracha mayo or grilled pineapple, there’s no end to the combinations you can create.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
This recipe calls for a handful of ingredients, each bringing something special to the flavor and texture of the burger:
- Ground Chicken: Lean and mild, ground chicken is a great base that absorbs seasonings well.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and give them a tender, satisfying texture.
- Egg: Keeps the patty mixture together, helping it hold its shape as it cooks.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings add a deep, savory layer of flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a touch of color.
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken patties juicy and adds a slight richness to the taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors in the mix.
Step-by-Step Directions to Making a Perfect Chicken Burger
Making these chicken burgers is simple, requiring just a few basic steps:
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Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together, just until combined—over-mixing can make the burgers tough.
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Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and form them into patties. Aim for a thickness of around ½ inch, as this allows them to cook evenly while retaining juiciness.
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Cook the Patties: You can cook the patties on a stovetop, grill, or even bake them. For stovetop or grill, heat a bit of oil over medium heat, and cook each patty for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the patties on a lined sheet for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
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Assemble the Burgers: Toast the buns lightly to add some crunch, then layer with your favorite toppings, place a patty on each bun, and finish with a sauce of your choice.
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Serve and Enjoy: Pair with your favorite side, like a salad, fries, or grilled veggies, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Best Toppings for Chicken Burgers
The mild flavor of chicken makes it a great base for all kinds of toppings. Here are some ideas to try:
- Classic Choices: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles for freshness and crunch.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack add creaminess and a bit of richness.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Adds creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a salty, smoky flavor.
- Special Sauces: Try something beyond ketchup and mustard, like garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips for the Best Chicken Burgers
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently combine the ingredients—overworking the meat can make the patties tough.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken needs to be cooked thoroughly, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat and still juicy.
- Toast the Buns: A quick toast adds texture and prevents the bun from getting soggy.
- Extra Veggies: Adding grated zucchini or carrot to the mix can increase moisture and add a slight sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Burgers
Chicken burgers are an excellent source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and helps with post-meal satiety. They’re naturally lower in fat than beef burgers, making them a lighter choice while still packing a flavorful punch. By pairing them with whole-grain buns and fresh vegetables, you can increase your fiber intake, adding vitamins and minerals for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
Side Dishes to Serve with Your Chicken Burger
Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair well with a chicken burger:
- Sweet Potato Fries: A nutritious alternative to traditional fries with a touch of sweetness.
- Coleslaw: Adds crunch and creamy texture that pairs well with savory chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Keep it light with a side of zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette is a great way to add more greens to your meal.
Conclusion
This chicken burger recipe brings the joy of a classic burger with a healthier twist. It’s perfect for family dinners, weekend grilling sessions, or a quick weeknight meal. Customizable with your favorite toppings and easy to make, these chicken burgers are the ultimate combination of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Try them with your preferred toppings and sides for a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Chicken Burger Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, salt, paprika, and several grinds of black pepper. Use a spoon to stir it all together, then divide the mixture into 4 even sections so you can form patties.
Get your hands wet to make the mixture easier to work with (it doesn't stick to wet hands) and form a burger patty by pressing it between your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have 4 evenly sized patties that are about 1 inch thick.
Grease a 12-inch skillet with olive oil, then place it over medium-high heat on the stove. Arrange all 4 chicken burgers on the skillet and let them cook for 5 minutes. Flip the burgers over and cook on the other side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165ºF when checked with a thermometer. (You can also just cut one in half to make sure it's not pink in the middle.)
Serve the cooked burgers warm, with your favorite toppings. You can use a bun or lettuce wrap! Cooked burgers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
4 servings
- Amount per serving
- Calories173
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g12%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Total Sugars 1g
- Protein 20g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Chicken Burger is one of many healthy recipe ideas that you can find on our recipe page.
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Ingredients
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, salt, paprika, and several grinds of black pepper. Use a spoon to stir it all together, then divide the mixture into 4 even sections so you can form patties.
Get your hands wet to make the mixture easier to work with (it doesn't stick to wet hands) and form a burger patty by pressing it between your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have 4 evenly sized patties that are about 1 inch thick.
Grease a 12-inch skillet with olive oil, then place it over medium-high heat on the stove. Arrange all 4 chicken burgers on the skillet and let them cook for 5 minutes. Flip the burgers over and cook on the other side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165ºF when checked with a thermometer. (You can also just cut one in half to make sure it's not pink in the middle.)
Serve the cooked burgers warm, with your favorite toppings. You can use a bun or lettuce wrap! Cooked burgers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
