Ground chicken burgers are a tasty and lighter alternative to beef burgers. With the right mix of ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can make patties that stay juicy and full of flavor. This recipe shows you how to prepare chicken burgers that hold together well, cook evenly, and turn out delicious every time.
Why We Love This Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make ground chicken burgers, but this recipe in particular stands out because it focuses on both flavor and technique. Too often, chicken burgers get a bad reputation for being dry. This recipe fixes that problem by mixing in ingredients that lock in moisture, like mayo, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and onions. These additions keep the burgers juicy, tender, and full of flavor in every bite.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can grill the patties outdoors for that smoky char, or cook them on the stovetop for an easy indoor meal. The steps are simple, and the chill time before cooking ensures your patties stay firm instead of falling apart.
This recipe also allows you to experiment. Want a little spice? The cayenne pepper delivers a gentle heat. Prefer something herby? Fresh parsley adds brightness. It’s also easy to switch up toppings and buns depending on your mood, so you’ll never get bored.
And finally, chicken burgers are healthier than traditional beef burgers, but they don’t sacrifice satisfaction. They’re hearty enough to please a crowd yet light enough for a balanced meal. That’s why this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients about Ground Chicken Burgers
To make these ground chicken burgers, you only need basic pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient plays a role in flavor or texture, ensuring your patties turn out moist, seasoned, and easy to cook. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¾ cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup minced onion
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound ground chicken
- Vegetable oil for cooking
How to Make Ground Chicken Burgers Directions
The key to making ground chicken burgers that are juicy and hold together well is in how you prepare the mixture and handle the patties. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll end up with perfect burgers every time.
Start by preparing your binding base. In a large bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and milk, letting the mixture sit for a few minutes. This step creates a binder that helps keep the patties firm and prevents them from drying out during cooking.
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced onion with a small pinch of salt. Cook the onion until it softens, which usually takes about seven minutes. Once softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This onion-garlic mix adds depth of flavor that infuses the entire burger. Set the mixture aside to cool for a few minutes.
Once cooled, add the onion mixture to your breadcrumb base. Stir in the mayonnaise, parsley, remaining salt, black pepper, and cayenne. These ingredients season the burgers and lock in flavor. When the mixture feels cool to the touch, add the egg, followed by the ground chicken. Use your hands to gently combine everything. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the patties tough.
Now it’s time to shape the burgers. With slightly dampened or oiled hands, form the mixture into six patties. The mixture will feel soft at this stage, which is why chilling is essential. Place the patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes. This step allows the patties to firm up, making them easier to handle when cooking.
For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Cook the patties for six to seven minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking, as this can release their juices.
If you prefer stovetop cooking, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for the same amount of time—six to seven minutes per side—until they reach 165°F inside.
Once done, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the patties moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Burgers
Serving ground chicken burgers is where you can get creative. The patties themselves are full of flavor, but the way you serve them can take your meal to another level.
The classic way is to place each patty on a soft burger bun with your favorite toppings. Lettuce, tomato, onion slices, and pickles give you that traditional burger feel. Adding cheese like cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella can create a melty finish that pairs perfectly with chicken.
You can also serve these burgers without a bun for a lighter option. Place them on top of a salad, grain bowl, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both filling and healthy. A dollop of Greek yogurt sauce, pesto, or spicy mayo can add an extra layer of taste.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, serve the burgers buffet-style. Lay out toppings, sauces, and sides so everyone can build their own burger to suit their taste. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a simple family dinner, these ground chicken burgers fit right in.
Expert Tips: Ground Chicken Burgers
Making ground chicken burgers may seem simple, but a few expert tips can help you get the best results every time.
First, keep your hands wet when shaping the patties. Chicken mixtures tend to stick, so damp hands make the process smoother and help shape firm patties.
Second, use parchment paper to transfer the patties if they’re delicate. Place each patty on a square of parchment and move it directly to the grill or skillet. You can peel the paper away once it’s on the cooking surface.
Third, don’t skip the chilling step. Allowing the patties to rest in the refrigerator before cooking helps them stay firm. Even 20 minutes can make a big difference in how well the burgers hold together.
Finally, avoid flipping too often. Let the patties cook on one side until they release easily before turning them over. This prevents them from breaking apart and ensures even cooking. Aim to flip only once if possible.
By following these small but important tips, you’ll always end up with juicy, flavorful ground chicken burgers that keep their shape and taste amazing.
How to Store Ground Chicken Burgers
Storing ground chicken burgers properly helps you enjoy them beyond the day you cook them. If you have leftover cooked patties, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist.
For raw patties, you can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just keep them covered and chilled. If you want to store them longer, freeze the patties individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months frozen. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Proper storage makes it easy to meal prep or plan ahead for busy weeks, so you’ll always have a healthy and tasty option ready to go.
Variation of Ground Chicken Burgers
One of the best parts about ground chicken burgers is how versatile they are. You can easily adjust the flavor profile to match your preferences.
For a Mediterranean twist, mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano. Serve with tzatziki sauce and pita bread for a fresh variation.
If you love spice, add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder to the mix. Pair with pepper jack cheese and avocado slices for a bold burger with a kick.
For a lighter option, replace breadcrumbs with cooked quinoa and add grated zucchini for extra nutrition. This variation works especially well if you want a gluten-free option.
You can also switch up the toppings. Try barbecue sauce with grilled pineapple, or layer the patties with caramelized onions and mushrooms for a gourmet feel. With ground chicken burgers, you can keep experimenting until you find your perfect combination.
FAQ about Ground Chicken Burgers
How do you keep ground chicken burgers from falling apart?
The key is using a binder like milk-soaked breadcrumbs and egg, chilling the patties before cooking, and flipping only once during cooking. These steps help the burgers stay firm.
Are ground chicken burgers healthier than beef burgers?
Yes, ground chicken is leaner than beef, which makes these burgers lower in fat and calories while still being high in protein.
Can you freeze ground chicken burgers?
Absolutely. Shape the patties and freeze them individually on a tray before storing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months frozen.
What toppings go well with ground chicken burgers?
Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese work great, but you can also try avocado, coleslaw, or spicy sauces for variety.
What’s the best way to cook ground chicken burgers?
Both grilling and pan-cooking work well. Just make sure the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Ground Chicken Burgers
Equipment
- Skillet or Grill
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup minced onion
- 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 lb ground chicken
- vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting it sit for a few minutes to create a binder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté minced onion with a small pinch of salt for about 7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Once the onion mixture has cooled, add it to the breadcrumb mixture along with mayonnaise, parsley, remaining salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- When the mixture feels cool to the touch, add the egg and ground chicken. Use your hands to gently combine, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- With slightly damp hands, form the mixture into six patties. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Cook the patties for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If cooking on the stovetop, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for the same amount of time until they reach 165°F internally.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
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