Ground chicken burgers are the answer to weeknight dinner boredom—light, protein-packed, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re cutting back on red meat or just want something new to throw on the grill, these burgers deliver big flavor without the extra heaviness. And the best part? You likely have most of the ingredients already.
This isn’t just another chicken burger recipe. It’s moist, bursting with flavor, and totally customizable. From Mediterranean-inspired toppings to spicy buffalo style, there’s something here for everyone. These ground chicken burgers are weeknight-easy, dinner party-worthy, and sure to become a repeat request.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes start to finish
- Simple Ingredients – No specialty items or hard-to-find add-ins
- Versatile – Customize toppings for every taste or mood
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners
- Seriously Juicy – The mayo secret makes these anything but dry
Unlike many dry or bland chicken burgers, these are tender thanks to a few smart tweaks—hello, mayo and fresh herbs. It’s not just fast; it’s a recipe you’ll crave on repeat. The balanced flavor works whether you’re keeping it classic or stacking it high with gourmet toppings. You’re not just cooking dinner; you’re making something people will talk about.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to build the juiciest, most flavorful ground chicken burgers:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast – Lean but not dry; you can also use homemade ground chicken by pulsing raw breasts in a food processor
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs – Helps bind the patties and adds subtle seasoning
- Substitute: plain breadcrumbs + 1 tsp Italian seasoning or panko for crunch
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise – Adds moisture and richness (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup finely minced onion – Adds both moisture and flavor
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic brings depth; sub 1 tsp garlic powder if needed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – For a herby, fresh note
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – For a little smoky flavor
- Salt and black pepper – Adjust to taste
Optional Seasoning Add-Ins:
- Dried basil, oregano, or cayenne for a spicier kick
Toppings to Try:
- Classic Chicken Burger:
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, mayo or mustard
- Tip: Toast your bun for bonus crunch
- Mediterranean-Inspired:
- Tzatziki, cucumber slices, crumbled feta, arugula
- BBQ Ranch Style:
- BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar or pepper jack, pickled onions
- Avocado & Jalapeño:
- Mashed avocado or slices, pickled jalapeños, squeeze of lime
- Caprese-Inspired:
- Tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, balsamic glaze, fresh basil
- Buffalo Chicken Style:
- Toss patty in buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese or ranch, add thin celery slices
How to Make Ground Chicken Burgers
You’re just a few steps away from the juiciest homemade chicken burgers ever. Here’s exactly how to make them:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Finely mince the onions, garlic, and parsley. If you’re using homemade ground chicken, pulse raw chicken breasts in a food processor until evenly ground—don’t over-process.
Step 2: Combine in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix Gently
Use your hands (or a spatula if preferred) to mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties dense and chewy.
Step 4: Shape into Patties
Form into 4–6 even patties, depending on your desired size. Tip: Press a slight indent into the center of each patty with your thumb—this keeps them from puffing up as they cook.
Step 5: Cook
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.
- Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Avoid pressing them down—let them sear undisturbed.
Step 6: Assemble
Layer your chicken burgers onto toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Serve hot and fresh off the grill.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Pair with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
- Toast the buns for added crunch and warmth.
- Offer a topping bar if serving a crowd—everyone loves building their own!
Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and store up to 3 months
- To Reheat: Microwave gently or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through
- Tip: Add a splash of water and cover to prevent drying out
Helpful Notes
- For spicier burgers, mix in 1/4 tsp chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the patty mix.
- Ground turkey can be swapped 1:1 for ground chicken with great results.
- Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy—165°F is your goal.
- For extra juicy burgers, don’t skip the mayo or yogurt. It makes a huge difference!
- Want gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead.
Juicy Ground Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Finely mince the onions, garlic, and parsley. If using homemade ground chicken, pulse raw breasts in a food processor until finely ground, but not over-processed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayo, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Mix gently with hands or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 4: Form into 4 to 6 equal patties. Press a small indent in the center of each with your thumb.
- Step 5: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil. Cook patties 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: Assemble burgers on toasted buns with your choice of toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
There you have it—ground chicken burgers that are anything but boring. With juicy interiors, endless topping options, and a recipe that’s weeknight-friendly, these burgers belong in your rotation. They’re great for picky eaters, busy families, and flavor-lovers alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey makes a great substitute with similar texture and cook time.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the Italian breadcrumbs.
Why are my chicken burgers dry?
Avoid overcooking, and make sure to use moisture-retaining ingredients like mayo or Greek yogurt. Overmixing can also toughen the texture.
Can I freeze these burgers?
Yes! Freeze cooked patties in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
What’s the best way to keep patties from falling apart?
Make sure to include the binder (breadcrumbs and mayo) and mix just until combined. Also, chill patties for 15 minutes before cooking if they feel too soft.
Can I cook these in the oven or air fryer?
Definitely. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping once.