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Chicken burgers are my go-to when I’m craving that classic burger experience but want to keep things a little lighter. I keep mine juicy and flavorful with just a touch of mayo in the ground chicken mixture and add minced onions, parsley, and garlic. I find these chicken burgers to be just as satisfying – without the heaviness.
Table of contents
I know, I know… I can hear some of you already thinking, “But chicken burgers are dry!” Not these! With a little mayo mixed in, plus some breadcrumbs to hold it all together, the chicken burger patties stay juicy and moist!
Recipe At a Glance
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: Grill or Stovetop
Dietary Info: Lean protein, dairy-free (with vegan mayo option)
Key Flavor: Savory with a hint of smokiness
Skill Level: Easy
Why This is So Good
- Quick & Easy: You can go from raw ground chicken to cooked chicken burger in about 20 minutes.
- Healthier Alternative: A leaner option than beef, but still just as satisfying with all the classic burger vibes.
- Hidden Veggies: Minced onions and fresh parsley not only add flavor but sneak in some extra veggies, making these burgers a little more wholesome.
Ingredients To Make Chicken Burgers
- Ground Chicken Breast: Lean and light ground chicken breasts are available at most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you can always make your own by pulsing chicken breasts in a food processor.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: These help hold the patties together while adding a subtle herby flavor. They also keep the burgers from drying out as they cook.
- Mayonnaise: This is the secret to keeping these chicken burgers super juicy. A couple of tablespoons mixed in with the chicken locks in moisture and adds a hint of creaminess.
- Minced Onions & Garlic: These bring a punch of flavor, making the burgers more savory and well-rounded.
- Fresh Parsley: This adds a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and mayo.
- Paprika: A little smoky, a little sweet, paprika gives the burgers flavor without overpowering them.
- Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the mix.
Toppings to Try
- Classic Lettuce & Tomato: You can’t go wrong with the fresh crunch of lettuce and juicy tomato slices.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced red onions give a bit of sharpness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken and mayo.
- Avocado Slices: For a creamy, healthy addition, add some sliced avocado. It adds a buttery texture that pairs well with the juicy chicken.
- Pickles: If you’re a fan of that tangy bite, pile on some pickles.
- Cheese: Whether it’s cheddar, pepper jack, or even a slice of gouda, adding cheese gives that extra indulgent layer of flavor.
- Spicy Mayo or Aioli: Want a little heat? Slather on some spicy mayo or aioli.
- Think outside the box: You can add smashed roasted garlic, toum, avocado crema, cucumber yogurt sauce, cilantro yogurt sauce, tzatziki and so much more!
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Swap Ground Chicken for Turkey: If you don’t have ground chicken on hand or prefer turkey, you can easily make the switch. Ground turkey works just as well and keeps the burgers lean and flavorful.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo: If you aren’t a fan of mayo, you can still use Greek yogurt in your chicken burger to keep it moist. I do this sometimes when I’m making Grilled Greek Yogurt Chicken Burgers.
- Try Panko Instead of Breadcrumbs: For a crispier texture, swap out the Italian breadcrumbs for panko.
- Add Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of feta for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess inside the burger itself.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little kick, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You can also top the finished burgers with spicy mayo or jalapeños for extra heat.
How to make homemade chicken burgers
- In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients.
- Mix together until well combined, being careful not to overmix. It helps to use your hands to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into 4-6 equal patties, depending on how large you’d like them.
- Cook the chicken burgers on the preheated grill, flipping halfway through. You want to cook until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. Then, you’re ready to assemble the chicken burgers with buns and toppings of choice.
Recipe video tutorial
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Burgers
- Press down in the middle of each patty with your thumb. This will help the burgers to cook evenly through and avoid shrinking.
- Use your hands to mix the the patties. It’s a little messier but the ingredients will combine much easier this way. You can wear tight fitting plastic cloves to keep your hands clean.
- Don’t over mix the chicken burger mixture. Everything should be just combined. If you over mix, the burgers can become tough and chewy.
- Once on the grill, don’t flatten the burger with a spatula. When you do this the meat will lose some of its juices. Just flip them, don’t be tempted to press them down.
What to Serve with Chicken Burgers
Frequently asked questions
Store any leftover cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, but for the best texture, reheat them in a skillet on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking for up to 3 months. To freeze, stack them between wax or parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, you can freeze them on a baking sheet, then place them all together in a ziplock bag. To re-heat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.
If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed gluten-free crackers. Panko breadcrumbs are another option for a slightly crunchier texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This is the safest way to make sure your burgers are fully cooked through without being dry.
More burger recipes
If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feel good Chicken Burgers recipe or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
Ground Chicken Burgers
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan or regular)
- 2 tablespoons onions minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Hamburger buns for serving
- Lettuce tomato and red onions, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onions, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine all the ingredients together until blended, but don’t over mix.
- Form the mixture into 4-6 equal patties. Press down in the middle of each patty with your thumb to ensure even cooking of the chicken burgers.
Stovetop Cooking
- Preheat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a little oil to coat the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken burgers. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown. Then, flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 165°F. If they need more time, reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking until fully done.
Grilling
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Cook the chicken burgers on the preheated grill until the internal temperature is 165F, about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
- Assemble the chicken burgers with hamburger buns and toppings of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Make it as explained and add avocado to give it a fuller flavor and pickle to get a deli taste. It’s kind of plain and bready as is. And the suggested sides like oven baked potato chips sound great, or at least serve no-salt Kettle Chips on the side.
Love your additions, they sound so good! I agree that potato chips are a great sides. So glad you liked it, Ron!