Description
These Healthy Chicken Burgers offer a delicious and lean alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with extra lean ground chicken breast and whole wheat buns, packed with flavorful herbs and spices, they are perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether pan-fried or grilled, these burgers are juicy, tender, and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken breast (extra lean)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, parsley, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Gently: Gently stir the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Check Consistency: Assess the mixture texture; it should be moist but not too wet. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a bit of olive oil or water.
- Optional Rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and help firm the mixture.
- Divide Mixture: Portion the mixture into four equal parts for the burger patties.
- Shape Patties: Form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick, slightly larger than the buns to accommodate shrinkage during cooking.
- Create Thumbprint: Press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing.
- Optional Chill: Place patties on parchment paper, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set their shape before cooking.
- Pan-Fry Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown.
- Alternatively Grill Patties: Preheat a grill to medium heat and grill patties 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Burgers: Remove cooked patties from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast whole wheat buns, add your favorite condiments and toppings, then place the chicken burger patties inside.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy these healthy, flavorful chicken burgers.
Notes
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties tender.
- The thumbprint in the patty helps prevent bulging during cooking.
- Resting the patties after shaping helps them hold together better.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Whole wheat buns add extra fiber and nutritional value.
- Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mustard complement the flavors nicely.
