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My ground chicken burgers are perfectly seasoned and are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. They don’t need any breadcrumbs or eggs to bind, and can be cooked on the grill or stovetop.
I love cooking with ground chicken because, like chicken breasts, it’s a blank canvas to work from. My ground chicken meatballs recipe inspired me to adapt the mixture into full-fledged burgers, and the results are incredible.
Even though these chicken burgers are super lean, cooking them on a hot grill or skillet locks in all the moisture and keeps the center juicy. Also, my special burger patty mixture also skips the breadcrumbs and eggs, so no fillers are needed for tender, flavorful patties.
Chicken burger recipe highlights
- Quick and easy. The entire recipe takes less than 7 minutes to cook, with no resting time required.
- Healthy and filling. Ground chicken is low in saturated fat, and each burger packs in over 30 grams of protein.
- Easy to make ahead. Chicken mince burgers are freezer-friendly, so I often have a batch or two in the freezer at all times.
- No eggs or breadcrumbs. There is no need for eggs or bread crumbs, which are typically found in most chicken burger recipes. This also makes them gluten-free and low in carbs.
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Ground chicken. I prefer using lean ground chicken because the addition of oil in the mixture keeps them super juicy and tender. Higher fat cuts tend to be more soggy and greasy. If you do use a higher-fat cut, omit the oil in the mixture.
- Garlic. Freshly minced is always best, but use garlic powder if that is all you have.
- Onion. I learned in culinary school that using grated onions rather than diced or chopped onions in burger patties is superior. It not only adds extra moisture, but it’s evenly distributed and there are no random chunks throughout. Bonus point? It also helps with binding!
- Olive oil. The secret ingredient! 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 altogether.
- 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.
- Oil. 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 ground chicken burgers
Step 1- Make the ground chicken mixture. Start by adding all your burger patty ingredients to a large bowl and mixing until combined.
Step 2- Shape. 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.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“It was excellent! I didn’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, unfortunately, but these still turned out well! I will be adding this to our dinner options.” – Suzanne
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 overmix the burger mixture, as overmixing 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 cause them to dry out.
- Press down in the center of each burger to prevent it from puffing up, and also ensure even cooking. I know it looks odd to have a slight dip in the center, but it makes a big difference!
- Add other spices or herbs, such as smoked paprika, parsley, or oregano, to them.
- Feel free to switch the ground chicken for ground turkey if that is all you have on hand.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover chicken burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled burgers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Frequently asked questions
You can bake ground chicken burgers, but you will need to use a higher-fat cut of ground chicken to prevent them from drying out. Bake the chicken burgers for 15-16 minutes at 180C/350F.
If you prefer to pan-fry the burger patties, 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.
Nothing beats French fries, so opt for a healthy option like my air fryer french fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, jicama fries, or baked curly fries.
If you tried this Ground Chicken Burgers recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.
Ground chicken burgers (Extra juicy)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 small onion grated or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic, grated onion, olive oil, sweet chili sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Lightly wet your hands and shape the mixture into four thick patties.
- Add oil to a grill pan or charcoal grill and cook the burgers for 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Remove the burgers from the pan and assemble as desired.
Notes
- To pan fry: 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, and then add the burger patties in a single layer. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes.
- Leftovers: Leftover chicken burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
- Reheating: Microwave the burgers for 30-40 seconds or reheat on a grill or non-stick pan.
You know how much I like sweet meets heat, so this sauce looks awesome. I bet it would be fantastic smothered across some grilled veggies.
Also fun fact: I’m pretty decent at grilling meat. It’s been a few years since I’ve done it, but back then grilling was always my job. Ha!
I’ll have to try it out for myself my dear.
I can envision a sweet chilli sauce spiked ratatouille!
Yum yum yum, sweet chili sauce 😀 My grill is FINALLY getting some use after being buried in snow for far too long…will have to add these to the summer grill list!
I am coming for a grill party, uninvited 😉
Too bad you’re now totally invited 😉
I’m so glad you dislike watching cricket too because I fell asleep every time I attempt to watch it. Share a couple of these burgers with your new neighbors and they’ll love you. SAFE TRAVELS, friend!
LOL! I’m so glad you picked that up my faux English chicka! Seriously, yawn x 100.
Thanks heaps buddy 🙂
chicken burgers sound like such a great idea! I bet it tasted soooo good with that ssweet chili sauce! thanks for sharing!
Thanks Celyn- Promise they are delicious!
You know this is my jam. I can’t get enough chicken burgers lately. Nothing wrong with getting some minus the preservatives. I’d get the pre-ground chicken because I’m a wimp. You’re a badass for getting thighs.
I know, right? So badasssssssss. Chicken boobs are overrated!
You are such a fantastic storyteller…super entertaining as always! These look absolutely perfect!
Haha you’re a gem Sonali! Looking forward to doing my weekend reading aka stalking your blog!!
I just love the thighs of chicks…… Mmm Mmm GOOD! What I am really waiting for is that dang OCTOPUS RECIPE!!! You’re holding out on me!
And um, when are you doing 1 week in the world of GIGI’s DIET?! LOL
Hahaha hopefully in a few months time- Got a few things on the cards already coming up! Thighs > boobs.
I fail at life when it comes to grilling things. In fact, I’m not even sure I know how to turn one on 😆 And I’d try to learn, but I’m not even that crazy about grilled food. Can you roast marshmallows over one?
LOL. Let’s try that one out at Meg’s this year!
Hahaha I suck at grilling/BBQing too. Luckily we don’t have a BBQ (or a balcony for that matter) at our apartment so I don’t have to deal with it.
Argh! I need an update on your new life as an independent woman who (Sometimes) needs a man
These look really good!
And I very much enjoyed the story about you learning to grill!!!
Thanks Kim! Never let me near your grill!
Hahah love the grilling story. I usually let Kyle tend to it when we’re making BBQ because I have absolutely no patience for standing by the meat and usually end up forgetting about it and wandering off. No bueno! What is bueno (my Spanish is obviously on par today) is this recipe and these photos! YUMMMM
Thanks buddy! Hahaha don’t get me started on leaving things and forgetting…
Lol to that story – I have never even touched a grill for that reason exactly. Why do some people make it look so damn easy!? Anyways, these look amazing. I love turkey/chicken burgers and everything sweet and spicy. I will definitely make these over the stove in my kitchen to prevent turning them into chicken burger chips.
Please do, Hayley! Although not going to lie, burger chips sounds pretty amazing!
Arman, I was never one for grilling…believe it or not, my daughter is the grill master in the family. She takes over and grills like she means business. Good for her, but like you, I stick to my little griddle pan. I love the sound of these chicken burgers and they look so darn good! Have a wonderful day, Catherine
Oh wow- That is awesome!
Thanks so much, Catherine- Hope everything is well with you and the family!