Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

Juicy Homemade Chicken Burgers Recipe for Family Dinners

Juicy and packed with mouthwatering flavors, these homemade chicken burgers deliver a delightful twist on classic burger recipes.

Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, each patty promises a burst of savory goodness that will tantalize your taste buds.

The secret lies in selecting premium ground chicken and combining it with carefully chosen ingredients.

Tender and perfectly grilled, these burgers offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef options.

Every bite brings a delectable combination of crisp vegetables and succulent meat that sings with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these chicken burgers will become your new go-to meal for satisfying hunger with style.

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible recipe that’s sure to impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Chicken Burgers Stand Out

For Burger Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds rich, smooth texture to the sauce, choose full-fat version for best flavor.
  • Ketchup: Provides sweet and tangy undertone, opt for classic tomato-based variety.
  • Sweet Gherkins: Introduces delightful crunch and zingy pickled notes, select small, crisp pickles.
  • Pickle Juice: Enhances sauce's brightness and adds subtle acidic kick.
  • Yellow Mustard: Brings sharp, tangy dimension to sauce, select traditional smooth variety.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers deep umami complexity, choose authentic brand for authentic taste.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies overall sauce flavor, use fine-grain for even distribution.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes warm, smoky undertone, select high-quality ground spice.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and aromatic depth, freshly ground preferred.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle savory background, ensure recent purchase for maximum potency.
For Chicken Patty Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich moisture and golden browning, select high-quality dairy butter.
  • Yellow Onion: Introduces sweet, savory foundation, choose firm, unblemished onion.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances caramelization and subtle sweetness, use white refined sugar.
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base, select freshest 93% lean variety for optimal texture.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensures light, crispy burger texture, pick Japanese-style crumbs.

Handy Tools for Burger Night

  • Cast-iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for even cooking and creating delicious caramelized edges.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining burger ingredients and mixing patty mixture gently.
  • Spatula: Helps flip burgers and transfer ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise tool for adding the right amount of seasonings and sauces.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, tomatoes, and preparing burger ingredients.
  • Thumb: Used to create an indentation in burger patties for even cooking.
  • Cheese slicer or knife: Helps place cheese on burgers during final cooking stage.
  • Tongs: Great for safely turning and handling burger patties in hot skillet.

How to Cook Chicken Burgers with Ease

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty burger sauce by blending creamy and tangy ingredients in a bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate to let the flavors develop and intensify.

  • Caramelized Onion Magic

Transform ordinary onions into sweet, golden delights in a hot skillet. Cook slowly with a touch of sugar until they become rich and soft, releasing deep, complex flavors.

  • Chicken Patty Preparation

Combine ground chicken with caramelized onions and a mix of seasonings. Gently fold ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a tender texture.

  • Patty Shaping

Form relaxed patties with a gentle touch, creating a small center indentation to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing. This technique guarantees a perfectly shaped burger.

  • Sizzling Cooking

Heat skillet with butter and oil, then cook patties until golden brown and fully cooked. Add melty cheese during the final moments for an extra layer of deliciousness.

  • Burger Assembly

Build your masterpiece by spreading sauce on toasted buns, layering fresh crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and your perfectly cooked chicken patty. Top with the second bun and enjoy your culinary creation.

Chicken Burger Variations Worth Trying

  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or cilantro mixed directly into the chicken patty for an unexpected burst of freshness and aroma.
  • Cheese Swap Adventure: While classic cheddar works great, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper, richer flavor profile that elevates the entire burger experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare burger patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking super quick and easy.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the burger's tender texture and delicious taste.
  • Spice Level Play: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger mixture or mix some sriracha into the burger sauce to create a zesty, mouth-tingling version of this classic chicken burger.

Tasty Ways to Serve Your Chicken Burgers

  • Flavor Explosion Companion: Pair these juicy chicken burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw for a delightful crunch that complements the burger's soft texture.
  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve on a wooden board with small mason jars of extra burger sauce, pickles, and fresh herb sprigs to create a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
  • Beverage Harmony: Enhance the meal with a cold craft beer, zesty lemonade, or a crisp white wine that cuts through the burger's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Healthy Swap Option: Convert these burgers into a lighter meal by serving atop a fresh garden salad or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Plan and Store Chicken Burgers with Confidence

  • Smart Batch Preparation: Whip up multiple burger patties in advance and store them layered between parchment paper in sealed containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze uncooked patties for 1 month, ensuring quick weeknight meal solutions.
  • Sauce Savvy Storage: Keep the burger sauce in an airtight container within the refrigerator, enjoying its rich flavors for 7-10 days. Pro tip: Stir briefly before each use to restore its creamy consistency and blend ingredients perfectly.
  • Leftover Love Strategy: Store cooked chicken burgers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap inside the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness and prevent drying out.
  • Ingredient Freshness Hack: Separate wet and dry burger mixture ingredients until ready to cook. Store ground chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, using within 1-2 days of purchase. Keep panko crumbs in a sealed container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
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Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe

Crispy Chicken Burgers Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Juicy chicken burgers showcase Brazil’s grilling culture with a perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Crisp lettuce, melted cheese, and homemade sauce create a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) ground chicken (93% lean)
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • 6 brioche burger buns, split and lightly toasted
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ tsps garlic powder
  • 1 pinch granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsps ketchup
  • 2 tbsps finely chopped sweet gherkins
  • 1 tbsp juice from gherkin jar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • Butterhead lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomato
  • Thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Sauce Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, gherkins, gherkin juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, which can be done up to a week in advance.
  2. Onion Transformation: Caramelize onions in a cast-iron skillet with butter, sugar, and salt. Cook until achieving a golden, soft consistency, adding water if browning occurs too rapidly.
  3. Patty Preparation: Combine cooled onions with ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, mixing gently to maintain a light, airy texture. Form six patties about 1/2-inch thick, creating a subtle center dimple to prevent swelling during cooking.
  4. Searing Technique: Heat a blend of butter and olive oil, then cook patties 8-10 minutes per side until reaching 165°F internal temperature. Melt cheese on top during the final cooking minute.
  5. Burger Assembly: Toast buns and generously spread prepared sauce. Layer with crisp lettuce, perfectly cooked chicken patty, ripe tomato slices, and sharp red onion rings. Complete by crowning with the top bun and serve immediately to maximize flavor fusion.

Notes

  • Sauce Prep Tip: Make the burger sauce a week ahead to let flavors intensify and blend perfectly for maximum taste impact.
  • Caramelization Hack: Add water if onions brown too quickly to ensure even, golden-brown caramelization without burning.
  • Patty Perfection Trick: Create a small dimple in burger patties to prevent swelling and ensure uniform cooking throughout.
  • Cheese Melting Secret: Add cheese during the final minute of cooking to achieve that perfectly melted, gooey texture without overcooking the chicken patty.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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