Ground Chicken Burgers

I always used to think Chicken Burgers were a compromise, something you made when you had to skip the beef. But then I decided to make my own version that would be flavorful, moist, and juicy. After testing the perfect ground chicken mix, they’ve become a regular in my family’s kitchen—by choice.

With all of that recipe testing, I found so many tricks to make them super flavorful. My secrets? Adding a little breadcrumb magic to lock in moisture, the right seasonings to bring out bold flavor, and cooking them just right so they stay tender. Add your favorites toppings, and I promise you won’t look back! Once you take that first bite of a juicy, well-seasoned chicken burger, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.

If you love a burger recipe, my Air Fryer Burgers are so quick to make and can also be made using ground chicken.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: Not everyone enjoys red meat, so making traditional ground beef burgers can be tricky when serving a crowd. But these tasty chicken burgers, on the other hand, are loved by just about everyone!
• Beef Alternative for Hamburgers: If you love burgers but get tired of the same flavor combinations or toppings, these chicken burgers are a great way to try new toppings and seasonings.
• Easy Preparation in 30 Minutes: This chicken burger recipe comes in handy on busy weeknights but is just as fitting for a relaxed weekend meal. With about 30 minutes, dinner will be served.

Ingredients

• Rolls: You’ll need a few of your favorite burger rolls. Use brioche buns, Hawaiin rolls, or whatever you’d like.
• Toppings: Collect all of your preferred burger toppings! I suggest a piece or two of Batavia or Boston lettuce, juicy sliced tomatoes, tangy red onion, and creamy mayonnaise.
• Ground chicken: Form the juicy chicken patties with high-quality ground chicken.
• Onion: Add thinly diced yellow onion to the patty mixture for texture and flavor.
• Garlic: Boost the chicken patty flavor with a fresh garlic clove, minced. Use garlic powder as a substitute if necessary.
• Breadcrumbs: Include bread crumbs in the patty ingredients to help bind them together and give them a more tender texture. Use classic unseasoned or panko bread crumbs.
• Egg: One large egg will be the glue that holds all the patty ingredients together. For an egg-free party, use mayonnaise or sour cream instead.
• Salt and pepper: Season the tasty chicken patties with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Dried herbs: Add a fresh flavor to the patties with dried parsley and thyme. If preferred, use another combination of dried herbs, like oregano and basil.
• Paprika: Sprinkle paprika into the chicken mixture for a hint of smokiness, or use hot paprika for subtle spice.
• Oil: Finally, you’ll need olive oil or another oil to pan-fry the patties.

How To Make Ground Chicken Burgers

✱ Below shows step-by-step photos and instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.

Step 1 | Mix the patty ingredients

First, set out a large bowl and mix all the ingredients for the chicken patties, except for the oil. Then, let it sit over the counter for about 10 minutes.

Step 2 | Form the chicken patties

Next, divide the burger mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, pressing the mixture well. If preferred, make six medium-sizer patties instead.

Step 3 | Cook the patties

Then, warm an iron-cast skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Or, cook the chicken patties on an outdoor grill, setting the temperature to medium.

Next, add the chicken patties and cook both sides until the patties are fully cooked through. Keep in mind that the grilling or cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your burgers. It should take around 8-10 minutes to cook both sides of the patty. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 170 degrees.

When the burgers are done cooking, place them on a paper towel to absorb some of the excess greases, if preferred.

Also, if you’re using a large skillet, be sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking. 

Step 4 | Assemble the chicken burgers and serve!

Assemble your yummy chicken burger with your chosen burger rolls, warm and fresh homemade chicken patties, and all your favorite toppings! These fermented dill pickles are delicious on them!

Here’s a delicious soft hamburger bun recipe for you to try.

Then, it’s time to dig right in, y’all! Enjoy!

Variations

• Chicken Patty Sliders: This recipe makes four large patties or six medium-sized, so it should make around eight delicious chicken patty sliders. 
• Toasted Buns: Toasting the rolls is a small step that makes a big difference! Nothing beats crispy hamburger buns. 
• Spicy Chicken Burger Patties: Turn up the heat by adding hot paprika, cayenne pepper, a few drops of your favorite hot sauce, or chopped spicy peppers to the chicken patties.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Burger: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the ordinary burger roll with a gluten-free bun or omit the bread altogether. Burgers are still delicious with no bun or even a lettuce wrap. Also, use panko breadcrumbs or almond flour for the chicken mixture. And finally, don’t forget to double-check the other ingredients to ensure they have a GF label. 

Toppings Options

There are so many delicious ways you can dress these homemade chicken burgers up with toppings. Here are some suggestions:

• Creamy homemade coleslaw or store-bought coleslaw
• Crispy fried onion ring
• Sliced avocado
• Tangy Dijon mustard
• Slice of provolone or cheddar cheese
• Sweet pickles
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Feta cheese

FAQs