If you’re craving a burger that feels indulgent yet fresh, the Smash Chicken Burger Recipe is going to steal your heart. This recipe combines juicy, spiced ground chicken smashed into thin, crispy-edged patties layered with melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and a tangy sriracha mayo that brings a delightful kick. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a chicken burger with a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible homemade touch. Once you try this Smash Chicken Burger Recipe, you might just find your new go-to dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Smash Chicken Burger Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together simply but with big impact. Each item plays a vital role in crafting the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these burgers so special.
- Ground chicken: The foundation for juicy, tender patties with a lean protein base.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide structure while keeping the patties moist and tender.
- Red bell pepper (finely diced): Adds a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Green onion (diced): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that deepens the overall taste.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a bold, spicy edge to keep things exciting.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the patties with aromatic warmth.
- Avocado oil: Perfect for searing patties with a high smoke point and mild flavor.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melted gooeyness that adds richness and indulgence.
- Bacon strips: Crispy, smoky layers that elevate the burger experience.
- Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that provide the perfect cradle for the patties.
- Mayonnaise and sriracha: Combine for a creamy, spicy spread that ties all the flavors together.
- Red onion slices: Add crunch and a little sharpness to balance the richness.
How to Make Smash Chicken Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken mixture
Start by gathering all your ingredients and combining them in a large bowl. The ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, diced red bell pepper, green onion, smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic all go in together. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure every morsel of chicken is well-coated with those delicious seasonings. This base ensures your patties will be flavorful from the very first bite.
Step 2: Portion and shape the patties
Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and gently roll each into a ball. This method will help the patties cook evenly and form that classic smashed shape. Don’t worry about perfect shaping here; the smashing will do the work to give them beautiful, crispy edges.
Step 3: Smash and cook the patties
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Once shimmering, place the chicken balls in the pan. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten each ball into a thin patty. This smashing technique creates those flavorful crispy edges that make the burger so addictive. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then carefully flip to the other side.
Step 4: Add cheese and finish cooking
Immediately after flipping, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the heat and melts the cheese perfectly while making sure the chicken finishes cooking all the way through without drying out. Let them cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is gooey and the patties are cooked to perfection.
Step 5: Prepare the buns with mayo and sriracha
While the patties cook, toast your brioche buns lightly until golden and slightly crisp. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on each half, then drizzle sriracha over the mayo for just the right amount of spicy creaminess. This combo adds an exciting zing that complements the savory patties beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble your Smash Chicken Burger Recipe
Time to build the burger. Stack two cheesy patties on the bottom bun, add red onion slices for crunch and aroma, then top with two crispy bacon pieces for that irresistible smoky hit. Cap it all with the top bun, press gently, and you’re ready to dive into a burger bursting with flavor. Repeat the assembly for the second burger and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Smash Chicken Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add some crisp lettuce or fresh tomato slices if you want to brighten up the burger even more. Pickles also add a fabulous tang and crunch that works wonderfully with the creamy sriracha mayo and smoky bacon.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Smash Chicken Burger Recipe with classic hand-cut fries or a light coleslaw creates a well-rounded meal. For a healthier twist, roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp garden salad are equally fantastic choices that keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your burgers open-faced with all the toppings displayed. Another great idea is assembling sliders—making smaller patties and buns for a party-friendly appetizer. Wrapping each burger in parchment paper and tying with twine gives a rustic, cozy presentation that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smash Chicken Burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess and reassemble just before eating to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the cooked patties freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep nicely for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze whenever burger cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low heat or microwave them briefly until heated through. Adding a little cheese on top during reheating helps keep them moist. Toast buns fresh to restore their lovely texture before rebuilding your burger.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the seasonings and method in this Smash Chicken Burger Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as turkey may cook slightly differently.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs in the recipe act as binders to hold the patties together. Be sure to mix thoroughly and handle the mixture gently when forming and smashing to maintain their shape.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Just keep the texture in mind to ensure patties still hold together well.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
No worries—any neutral high-heat oil like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil will do just fine for cooking these burgers, keeping the focus on flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning and sriracha add a mild to moderate kick, which can be adjusted up or down depending on your spice tolerance. Feel free to reduce the spices or omit sriracha for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Smash Chicken Burger Recipe a try is like inviting a burst of flavor and fun into your kitchen. Its crispy edges, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon combine for a burger experience that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, these burgers never fail to impress. So get smashing and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Smash Chicken Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 double-patty burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smash Chicken Burger recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic burger, featuring juicy ground chicken patties seasoned with smoked paprika, cajun spices, and fresh vegetables. Cooked in a skillet to achieve crispy edges and topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, these double-patty burgers are served on toasted brioche buns with a spicy mayo and sriracha spread for the perfect balance of flavors.
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
Toppings & Assembly
- 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
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: 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 to ensure even seasoning and moisture distribution.
- Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. This helps achieve evenly sized patties that cook uniformly.
- Cook the Patties – Side One: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken balls to the skillet and smash each ball flat with a spatula to form thin patties. Cook without disturbing for 4-5 minutes to develop a crispy crust on the bottom side.
- Cook the Patties – Side Two & Melt Cheese: Flip each patty carefully. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the cheese melt and ensure the chicken patties are fully cooked through.
- Prepare Buns and Spread: While the patties are cooking, toast the brioche buns to golden. Spread mayonnaise and drizzle sriracha over each bun half, spreading evenly to add creamy texture and spicy kick to the burger.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place two cheesy chicken patties on the bottom halves of the buns. Top with sliced red onions and two pieces of crispy bacon per burger. Finish with the top bun. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use a spatula for smashing the patties to achieve thin, crispy edges.
- Make sure the chicken patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and mayonnaise to your preferred spice level and creaminess.
- To keep buns warm and toasty, you can briefly warm them in the skillet after cooking the patties.
