If you are on the hunt for a juicy, flavorful, and healthier twist on the classic burger, you have just found The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe. This recipe combines tender ground chicken with fresh herbs, a zingy homemade sauce, and simple seasonings that come together for a burger that’s surprisingly satisfying. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or impressing friends at a backyard barbecue, these burgers bring a delightful balance of juicy texture and bright flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to add moisture, flavor, and texture so your burgers come out perfect every time.
- 1 cup mayo: This creates the creamy base for a tangy burger sauce that elevates every bite.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle sharp kick to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness to the sauce for an irresistible touch.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean, juicy star of the show, providing a lighter alternative to beef.
- 2 tablespoons mayo: Added directly to the patties to ensure moist, tender burgers every time.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Infuses the ground chicken with freshness and helps tenderize.
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and adds a subtle herby note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano: Gives a fragrant, aromatic quality that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Delivers a mild onion flavor without overpowering the delicate meat.
- 1 large clove garlic (minced): Adds a savory depth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Hamburger buns, butter leaf lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, etc. (optional, to taste): Choose your preferred toppings to personalize your burger experience.
How to Make The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce
Start by stirring together the mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This sauce is a game-changer, bringing a creamy, zesty layer of flavor that perfectly complements the mild chicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like – a little more lemon juice can brighten it up further or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra complexity.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Lightly oil your grill grates and preheat to medium-high heat. A properly heated grill ensures you get a nice sear on the burgers, locking in juices and creating those appealing grill marks that make burgers feel special.
Step 3: Mix the Burger Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with mayo, lemon juice, seasoned breadcrumbs, fresh oregano, chives, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently blend everything together, but be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can make the burgers dense and tough – we want fluffy and tender.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and form them into burger patties. Lay them on a sheet of wax paper for easy handling. Press your thumb gently into the center of each patty to create a slight indentation – this small trick helps the burgers cook evenly without puffing up in the center.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Place the patties on your heated grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. Generally, this means grilling about 5 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second. Cooking times may vary based on patty thickness and grill heat, so a meat thermometer is a great investment for perfectly cooked chicken burgers.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
While the patties finish cooking, toast your hamburger buns on the grill for about 30 seconds. This simple step adds a bit of crunch and warmth that pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
Spread the homemade sauce generously on the top and bottom buns, add the grilled patties, and pile on your favorite toppings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, creamy avocado, and sharp red onion. Every element brings texture and flavor, making each bite a delicious explosion.
How to Serve The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp butter leaf lettuce and thinly sliced red onion add a refreshing crunch that complements the juicy patties. Avocado slices also add creamy richness, balancing the tangy sauce perfectly. Don’t be shy with fresh herbs such as oregano or chives to sprinkle on top – they elevate the flavor and make each burger feel gourmet.
Side Dishes
These ground chicken burgers pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or a colorful garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider grilled corn on the cob or a tangy coleslaw, which adds bright acidity to refresh the palate alongside the savory burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the burgers open-faced with all the toppings beautifully arranged on one bun half, inviting guests to customize their bite. Another crowd-pleaser is mini slider versions, perfect for parties or appetizers. You can also wrap the burgers in lettuce leaves instead of buns for a low-carb option that still delivers all the delicious flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the patties separate from buns and toppings maintains freshness and texture when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked patties shaped and placed on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat cooked burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep them from drying out. Toast fresh buns and add fresh sauce and toppings for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will work similarly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time since turkey can sometimes cook faster or drier; the sauce and added mayo help keep things moist.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs like oregano or chives?
Don’t worry! You can substitute dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available. Use about a teaspoon of dried herbs as a rule of thumb, and add them to the mixture before shaping the patties.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the burger mix?
Mayonnaise adds moisture and helps the patties stick together, making them tender and juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, but mayo gives that rich, creamy texture that really makes the burgers stand out.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your ground chicken is cooked through and safe to eat without overcooking.
Can these burgers be made in a skillet or oven instead of grilling?
Definitely! You can cook the patties in a skillet on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side or bake them in a 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Just be mindful of doneness and avoid overcooking to keep the burgers juicy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your cooking lineup. The combination of fresh herbs, zesty sauce, and perfectly moist chicken patties delivers a burger experience you’ll want to share again and again. Go ahead and fire up the grill or stovetop and enjoy a truly satisfying homemade burger that’s brimming with flavor and love.
Print
The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These juicy and flavorful ground chicken burgers are perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Featuring a homemade tangy burger sauce and a blend of fresh herbs, they grill up quickly and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ, these burgers are sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Hamburger buns
- Butter leaf lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Avocado slices
- Red onion slices
Instructions
- Prepare the burger sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt & pepper to taste. Stir well and taste; adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill: Lightly oil the grill grates and preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Mix the burger ingredients: In a medium to large bowl, add 1 pound ground chicken, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt & pepper to taste. Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture to form six average-sized burger patties; place them on a sheet of wax paper. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a slight depression, which helps the burgers cook evenly without puffing up.
- Grill the burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Generally, cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 4 minutes on the second side, but cooking times may vary based on grill type and patty thickness.
- Toast the buns: Optionally, toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 30 seconds until lightly browned and warmed.
- Assemble and serve: Spread the prepared burger sauce onto the buns, add the grilled chicken patties, and top with your choice of butter leaf lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, or other desired toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
- Make sure to preheat and oil the grill to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Customize toppings to your preference for added flavor and texture.
- These burgers can also be pan-fried or cooked on an indoor grill if an outdoor grill is not available.
