If you’ve been searching for a burger that packs bold flavors and irresistible textures into every bite, you’ve found it with this Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe. Imagine juicy, flavorful chicken patties smashed thin for maximum crispiness, layered with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and the perfect spicy kick from sriracha—all sandwiched between buttery toasted brioche buns. It’s a game changer that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress friends anytime. Get ready to fall in love with this mouthwatering burger creation that balances smoky, spicy, cheesy, and savory notes flawlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role—bringing unique flavor, moisture, texture, or color to this vibrant dish.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the burger juicy yet light.
- Egg: A binder that keeps the patties tender and intact during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds just enough structure without weighing the chicken down.
- Red bell pepper, finely diced: Provides a subtle crunch plus a pop of red color for freshness.
- Green onion, diced: Brings a mild sharpness and subtle onion aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds vibrant spices that kick up the burger’s flavor profile.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential basics to enhance every other ingredient.
- Garlic, finely chopped or minced: Punctuates each bite with rich, aromatic warmth.
- Avocado oil: Helps achieve a golden crust while keeping the patties moist.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melts perfectly over the patties for creamy, sharp goodness.
- Bacon strips: Crispy and smoky, providing irresistible contrast.
- Brioche buns, toasted: Slightly sweet and buttery to cradle all the savory ingredients.
- Mayonnaise and sriracha: Creamy and spicy spreads that elevate each bite.
- Red onion, sliced: Adds crunch and bite for a well-rounded finish.
How to Make Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Season the Chicken Mixture
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and placing the ground chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell pepper, green onion, smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Now comes the fun part—mix everything thoroughly until every bite will burst with balanced flavor and texture. This combination is what makes the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe uniquely delicious.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions to ensure even cooking. Roll each portion into a ball—it’s easier to smash them into thin patties this way. This step is key because the thin, crispy edges are the hallmark of this burger style that sets it apart from your ordinary chicken patty.
Step 3: Cook and Smash the Patties
Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken balls. Press down firmly with a spatula to flatten each one into a thin patty. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes on one side, allowing a crispy crust to form. This is where the burger’s signature texture develops.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
Once you flip the patties, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cover the skillet with a lid; this traps the heat and gently melts the cheese while finishing the chicken’s cooking process. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy and tender inside.
Step 5: Toast the Buns and Prepare the Sauce
While your patties are sizzling, toast the brioche buns to golden perfection. Spread mayonnaise and a generous drizzle of sriracha on each bun half—this creamy, spicy combo ties the flavors together, pumping up the excitement in every bite.
Step 6: Assemble the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe
Layer two cheesy chicken patties on the bottom bun. Add slices of crisp red onion and top with two pieces of bacon for each burger, then crown with your spicy sriracha mayo-smeared top bun. Serve immediately and watch how fast these beauties disappear!
How to Serve Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe to a new level. Consider adding crisp lettuce leaves for an extra crunch, or even some pickles to cut through the richness with acidity. Fresh cilantro can add a bright herbaceous note if you want to kick it up a notch.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. For a lighter touch, a fresh slaw or crunchy cucumber salad complements the bold flavors without overwhelming your palate. The contrast of textures makes every mouthful exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these burgers stacked high on trendy cutting boards for casual entertaining or wrapped neatly in parchment paper for a fun picnic vibe. Adding a small skewer through the middle helps hold those double patties together and makes them easier to handle when you’re ready to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the separated components—patties, bacon, and buns—in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and lets you reassemble the burger when hunger strikes again.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the cooked patties completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Bacon strips can also be frozen separately. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat patties in a hot skillet or oven to regain their crispy edges, and warm the bacon alongside. Toast the buns again to restore that fresh-from-the-toaster crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make your burger soggy instead of delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give you a similar lighter texture and flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time since turkey can dry out faster.
How spicy is the sriracha in this recipe?
Sriracha adds a moderate, tangy heat that builds rather than overwhelms. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference—less for mild, more for fiery.
Is it necessary to use brioche buns?
While brioche buns provide a rich, buttery touch that complements the burger perfectly, you can swap them for any sturdy buns like potato rolls or even classic sesame seed buns. The key is to have a soft but durable bun to hold those juicy patties.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
You can shape the patties in advance and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld more deeply but avoid making them too far ahead to maintain freshness.
What sides would you recommend for a party?
Think crowd-pleasers like sweet potato fries, onion rings, or even a vibrant corn salad. Mini sliders of this Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe are also a hit for sharing!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe is going to become your go-to whenever you crave something hearty, flavorful, and downright addictive. It’s the kind of burger that checks all the boxes—crispy edges, juicy meat, melty cheese, crisp bacon, and a spicy kick to keep you coming back for more. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious minute of making (and eating) this fantastic burger creation!
Print
Smash Chicken Burger with Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Sriracha Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 burgers (each with double patties)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smash Chicken Burger recipe features flavorful, thinly smashed ground chicken patties infused with smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, and fresh bell peppers. Each burger is topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, red onions, and a zesty sriracha mayo on toasted brioche buns, creating a juicy and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of your choice), more if needed
Assembly and Toppings
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 strips bacon, cooked and cut in half (making 4 pieces)
- 2 brioche buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise, as needed
- Sriracha, as needed
- Red onion, sliced
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell pepper, diced green onion, smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and finely chopped garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball for even cooking.
- Smash and Cook Patties: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken patty balls to the skillet. Using a spatula, smash each ball flat to form thin patties. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip them carefully.
- Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Place a slice of cheddar cheese over each patty and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt as the patties cook for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Prepare Buns: While patties cook, toast the brioche buns if desired. Drizzle mayonnaise and sriracha on each bun half and spread evenly with a butter knife.
- Assemble Burgers: Place two cheesy chicken patties onto the bottom bun. Top with sliced red onions and 2 pieces of crispy bacon. Finish with the top bun. Repeat the process to make the second burger. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or any neutral cooking oil.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to cook the chicken patties thoroughly; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- Bacon can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian alternative if desired.
