If you are craving a juicy, flavorful burger that is lighter yet just as satisfying, look no further than The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe. This recipe strikes the perfect balance with tender ground chicken enhanced by fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and a smoky paprika kick. Paired with a creamy, tangy homemade sauce, these burgers offer a brilliant alternative that will seriously impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in building the perfect flavor and texture for this chicken burger. From the fresh aromatics to the creamy elements, everything comes together to create a burger that bursts with character in every bite.
- 1 cup mayo: The creamy base of the sauce that adds luscious moisture to the burger experience.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Brightens the mayo sauce with refreshing acidity, balancing richness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every component to bring out the best flavors.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean, tender protein star of The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe.
- 2 tablespoons mayo: Keeps the burger patties juicy from within.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds a fresh zing directly into the burger mix.
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and adds herby notes.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano: Brings aromatic earthiness to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Offers a mild oniony brightness without overpowering.
- 1 large clove garlic (minced): Delivers savory punch and depth of flavor.
- Hamburger buns, butter leaf lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, etc. (optional): Your favorite fresh toppings to personalize and elevate your burger.
How to Make The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This sauce is the secret weapon that elevates the chicken patties to irresistible levels of flavor. Taste and tweak the seasoning so it suits your palate perfectly before setting it aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Coat your grill grates with a light brush of oil and preheat it to medium-high heat. Properly heated grates ensure a beautiful sear that locks in juices while giving you those classic grill marks we all love.
Step 3: Combine the Burger Ingredients
In a clean bowl, combine the ground chicken with 2 tablespoons of mayo, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, chopped oregano, chives, minced garlic, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together—being careful not to overwork the mixture, which could result in a dense burger rather than a tender one.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty about the size of your palm. Place them on wax paper for easy transferring. Using your thumb, press a slight indentation into the center of each patty; this nifty trick helps the patties cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place your chicken patties on the preheated grill. Grill each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which usually takes around 5 minutes on the first side and 4 on the second, depending on your grill and patty thickness. This step is crucial for juiciness and food safety.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
If you love that toasty crunch with your burger, now’s the time to give your buns a quick 30-second toast right on the grill. This adds a subtle smoky flavor and prevents sogginess once you add the sauces and patties.
Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy
Spread a generous amount of your homemade sauce onto the top and bottom of the toasted buns. Layer on the grilled chicken patties and pile on your desired fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and red onion. Each bite should be a perfect harmony of juicy, creamy, fresh, and smoky that you simply cannot resist.
How to Serve The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, crisp butter leaf lettuce, thin slices of ripe tomato, creamy avocado, and sharp red onion rings bring freshness and texture that contrast beautifully with the warm burgers. Don’t shy away from adding a little extra sauce on top for the ultimate indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken burgers with classic sides like sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even a Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad. The lightness and herbaceous notes of the burger work well with vibrant, colorful accompaniments that won’t overpower.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these patties open-faced on sturdy, toasted ciabatta or layered inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. You can also experiment with topping options such as pickled jalapeños for heat or melt some sharp cheddar for a gooey addition. The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe is wonderfully versatile and welcomes your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), wrap the cooked patties tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain their juiciness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked patties by placing wax paper between each one to prevent sticking, then sealing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. For a quick future meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cooked patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to preserve their moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry them out and diminish that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey has a similar texture and taste profile, making it a great substitute. Just be mindful of cooking times as turkey can sometimes cook a bit faster.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and a bit of mayo in the mix helps bind the patties. Also, handle the meat gently without overmixing, and making that thumb indentation in the center ensures even cooking, which helps them hold their shape.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. Just ensure your other ingredients like mustard and buns are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to tell when the burgers are done?
The safest way is using a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
Can I prepare these burgers for a crowd?
Definitely. The recipe is easy to scale up, and you can make patties ahead of time and freeze them. This makes hosting a breeze when you want to serve The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe to a group.
Final Thoughts
Once you try The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe, you’ll realize how deliciously simple and versatile this dish is. It’s perfect for sunny backyard barbecues or a cozy weeknight dinner. So go ahead and give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you for bringing such a flavorful and juicy burger into your life.
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The Best Ground Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These juicy and flavorful ground chicken burgers are perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Made with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon mayo sauce, these burgers grill to perfection with a tender texture and smoky aroma. Serve them with your favorite toppings and toasted buns for a satisfying homemade burger experience.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup mayo
- 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 mayo
- 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
- Avocado
- Red onion
- Other toppings, to taste
Instructions
- Make the burger sauce. Stir together the mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Preheat the grill. Oil and preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the burgers.
- Prepare the burger mixture. In a medium-to-large bowl, combine the ground chicken, mayo, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, chopped oregano, chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix using your hands, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the burgers tender.
- Form the patties. Shape the mixture into six average-size patties or four larger ones, placing them on a sheet of wax paper. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a small depression to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the burger patties. Cook the patties on the grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Typical timing is about 5 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side for gas BBQ grills, but adjust based on thickness and grill heat.
- Toast the buns. If desired, toast the hamburger buns on the grill for approximately 30 seconds to add a warm, crispy texture.
- Assemble the burgers. Spread the prepared sauce onto each bun, add the cooked burger patty, and layer on your choice of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and red onion. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overmix the burger mixture to avoid tough burgers.
- Creating a thumbprint in the patties helps them cook evenly without puffing up.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Customize the sauce by adding more smoked paprika or lemon for extra flavor.
- Optional toppings like avocado and red onion add freshness and texture.
- To keep burgers moist, avoid pressing down on patties while grilling.
