These moist and juicy chicken burgers are perfect to celebrate summer. Whether you fire up the outdoor BBQ or make these indoors in the comfort of your kitchen, these are simple and easy to make in less than 30 minutes.
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 and easily complemented by a variety of toppings and sauces. With their lean profile and ability to absorb flavors, ground chicken burgers are a fantastic option for those looking to 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.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Chicken – I’m using ground chicken thighs, but you can also use breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- 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 prevent them from falling apart.
- Optional ingredients – These patties are very versatile, and you can add or subtract many ingredients. For example, you can add 1 tsp dijon mustard, sriracha, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. You can also serve these topped or wrapped with grilled bacon.
Step-by-step: Chicken burger recipe
Ground chicken patties
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with all other ingredients (except the oil).
- Divide your mixture into four large or six medium patties.
- Dip your hands in water (this prevents sticking) and helps shape the patties. Make a ball, then flatten and shape the edges.
Grill patties
- Heat the grill on medium-high, turning the heat down as needed.
- 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. Add the sliced cheese (optional) at the last minute.
- 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.
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 choice 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, such as fries, onion rings, or salad.
- Enjoy!
Homemade Chicken Burgers
These moist and juicy chicken burgers are perfect for celebrating summer. Whether you fire up the outdoor BBQ or make them indoors in the comfort of your kitchen, they're simple and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.
Video
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) Ground chicken
- 1 med Onions chopped finely
- 2 small Garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan
- ½ cup (60 g) Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parsley chopped finely
- ½ cup (50 g) Breadcrumbs dry
- 1 large Egg beaten
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Cooking oil for frying
- 1 cup (225 g) Mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 g) Ketchup
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- 6 Tomato slices
- 6 Onion slices
- 4 Lettuce leaves
Method
- Ground Chicken Patties – In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with all other ingredients (except the oil). Divide your mixture into four large or six medium patties.2 lb Ground chicken, 1 med Onions, 2 small Garlic cloves, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, ¼ cup Parmesan, ½ cup Cheddar cheese, ½ cup Parsley, ½ cup Breadcrumbs, 1 large Egg, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Pepper
- Grill Patties – Heat the grill on medium to high, turning the heat down as needed. Today I am using a cast-iron pan. Add the oil and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until done. Gently flip them using a metal spatula. In the last minute, add the sliced cheese (optional).Pro tip – If unsure, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the burger should be about 375 to 425°F.2 tbsp Cooking oil
- Burger sauce – Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.1 cup Mayonnaise, ½ cup Ketchup , ½ tsp Garlic powder, 1 tbsp Onion powder, ¼ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Pepper
- 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 on the sauce and– Top the burger with veggies. I like to add some tomato, grilled onions, and lettuce.6 Tomato slices, 6 Onion slices, 4 Lettuce leaves, 6 Burger buns
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Ground chicken thighs make the juiciest burgers, but ground chicken breast works too.
- If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate the patties for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can cook these burgers on a grill, stovetop skillet, cast-iron pan, or indoor grill pan.
- Chicken burgers cook quickly, so avoid high heat which can burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.
- The burgers are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Leftover patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or air fryer.
- These patties freeze well before or after cooking. Separate uncooked patties with parchment paper before freezing.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for Success
- Use ground chicken thighs if possible. They have a little more fat than chicken breast, which helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix the burger mixture. Combine everything just until mixed or the patties can become dense and tough.
- Finely grate or chop the onion so it blends into the meat mixture evenly and adds moisture without making the patties fall apart.
- Chill the patties for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking if the mixture feels soft. This helps them hold their shape better on the grill or skillet.
- Cook over medium to medium-high heat. Chicken burgers need enough heat to develop a golden crust, but very high heat can dry them out quickly.
- Avoid overcooking. Chicken burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle back into the patties.
- Toast the burger buns before assembling for better texture and to prevent soggy buns.
- Soft homemade burger buns
- Hokkaido hamburger buns
- Brioche burger buns
- Soft whole wheat burger buns
- Oven-baked potato wedges or oven-baked Potato chips
- Baked Carrot sticks or baked butternut squash fries
- Carrot Zucchini Fritters or crispy corn patties
- Carrot salad or Celery salad with cranberries
Frequently asked questions
The chicken patties are best fresh on burgers, but they will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can freeze them for up to a month, too.
Adding ingredients like grated onion, breadcrumbs, or a little bit of mayonnaise to the ground chicken mixture can help keep the burgers moist. Cooking the burgers to the right internal temperature without overcooking is also important.
Chicken burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear, with no pink in the center.
Yes, you can cook chicken burgers in a skillet on the stove, in the oven, or even in an air fryer. Make sure to cook them to the correct internal temperature regardless of the cooking method.
There are a few things you can do.
Keep the burgers chilled until an hour before cooking.
Don’t overmix the burger mixture.
Avoid flipping the burgers too soon or often.
Do not add too much liquid to the burger mixture. When using frozen ground meat, make sure to drain excess moisture before you form the patties.
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
This recipe is amazing. I have made these burgers four times already and each time they come out perfectly moist and flavorful.
I am so happy to hear that Kayla. Thank you for the lovely feedback.