I love cooking with ground chicken because like chicken breasts, it’s a blank canvas to work from. It’s why my family loves ground chicken meatballs, chicken crust pizza, and chicken sausage, but where this meat really shines is when I use it to make ground chicken burgers.
Recipe highlights
Quick and easy. The entire recipe takes less than 7 minutes to cook, and there is no resting time required! They make a healthy and filling dinner. Lean ground chicken is low in saturated fat and packs in over 30 grams of protein per serving. Easy to make ahead. The ground chicken patties are freezer-friendly, so make a double batch or triple batch and freeze the leftovers. No eggs or breadcrumbs. There is no need for eggs or bread crumbs, which are typically found in most burger recipes. This also makes them gluten-free and low in carbs.
Ingredients needed
Besides the ground chicken and some seasonings, there really isn’t much else needed to make these burgers. Here is what you’ll need:
Ground chicken breasts– As mentioned earlier, I prefer using lean ground chicken because the addition of oil in the mixture keeps them super juicy and tender. Also, higher fat cuts tend to be more soggy and greasy. Garlic– Freshly minced is always best, but use garlic powder if that is all you have. Onion– Optional, but unlike a wagyu burger or classic beef burger, adding onions to this chicken one won’t make a huge difference in flavor. Olive oil– The secret ingredient to ensure these burgers turn out extra juicy every time. The extra oil helps keep the insides juicy and moist, so you’ll be craving burgers every single time. Sweet chili sauce- Adds a lovely, subtle, sweet, and spicy flavor. You can also use standard chili sauce or sriracha or just skip it together. Mustard– I prefer American mustard, but Dijon mustard will also work. Worcestershire sauce– Adds an extra layer of flavor that takes these burgers to another level. Kosher salt and black pepper– To taste. Oil to fry/grill– Any cooking oil with a high smoke point, like peanut oil or vegetable oil. Burger fix-ins– I like to keep things classic with hamburger buns, salad, mayo, slices of tomato, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
How to make burgers with ground chicken
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Make the ground chicken mixture. Start by adding all your burger patty ingredients in a large bowl and mixing until combined. Step 2- Shape. Next, lightly wet your hands and shape the mixture into four thick patties. Step 3- Grill. Now, add oil to a grill pan or charcoal grill and cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
Recipe tips and variations
Use your hands to mix the patties, as it ensures everything mixes well and doesn’t stick to the mixing spoon or spatula. Do not over-mix the burger mixture, as overdoing it risks the burgers becoming slightly chewy and tough (even without overcooking them!). Avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking, as this will release some of their juices and dry them out. Add some other spices or herbs to them, like smoked paprika, parsley, or oregano. Feel free to switch the ground chicken for ground turkey if that is all you have on hand. Serve these burgers with some healthy fries, like air fryer french fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, jicama fries, or baked curly fries.
How to store leftovers
To store: Leftover chicken burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days. If you prefer to pan-fry the burger patties, simply grease a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil then add the burger patties in a single layer. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes. To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled burgers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months. Reheating: Microwave the burgers for 30-40 seconds or reheat on a grill or non-stick pan.
More recipes using ground chicken
Pizza bowls– A miniature version of my crustless pizza (which works with ground chicken too!). Air fryer chicken patties– Juicy, fast, and perfectly wholesome. Chicken lettuce wraps– A fun Asian twist that tastes like something from a Chinese restaurant.
