Ground Chicken Burgers

These ground chicken burgers are a lighter twist on the classic beef version, but don’t let that fool you — they’re juicy, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. With fresh onion, garlic, a hint of parsley, and a bit of mayo to keep things moist, these burgers are perfect for grilling season or an easy weeknight dinner. You can pan-fry or grill them, and the best part? You can dress them up in so many fun ways.

Why I Love These Ground Chicken Burgers

Whenever I’m in the mood for a good burger but want to keep things on the lighter side, ground chicken burgers are my go-to. They’re quick to put together, super versatile, and surprisingly juicy — especially with that little spoonful of mayo mixed right in. I add some fresh onions, garlic, and parsley to amp up the flavor. Honestly, they’re just as satisfying as any beef burger but feel a bit fresher and easier on the stomach.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into making these burgers:

• Ground Chicken: I usually go for lean ground chicken breast — it’s easy to find, or you can make your own by pulsing boneless chicken breasts in a food processor.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: These help hold the patties together and add a little flavor. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, just mix in a bit of Italian seasoning. Panko will give you a slightly crispier texture.
• Mayonnaise: This is the secret to keeping the patties moist. If mayo isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt works too.
• Minced Onion & Garlic: Fresh is best here — they add flavor and help with moisture. In a pinch, you can use onion and garlic powder, but the burgers won’t be quite as juicy.
• Fresh Parsley: This gives the burgers a bit of freshness to balance out the richness. You can sub in cilantro or basil, but parsley is nice and mellow.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika works great, but you can play around with other spices if you’d like.

Topping Ideas You’ll Love

Here’s where you can have fun and switch things up:

• Classic Style: Just keep it simple — lettuce, tomato, red onion, maybe a slice of cheese, and your favorite sauce. Toast the bun if you have time.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add some crumbled feta, cucumber slices, a spoonful of tzatziki, and a handful of arugula. It’s fresh and tangy.
• BBQ Ranch Combo: Top with cheddar or pepper jack, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and a spoonful of ranch. Pickled onions are great here, too.
• Avocado & Jalapeño: For something a little spicy and creamy, use mashed avocado, pickled jalapeños, and finish with a splash of lime juice.
• Caprese Vibe: Add sliced fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato slices, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Some fresh basil leaves tie it all together.
• Buffalo Chicken Style: After cooking, toss the patty in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and thinly sliced celery for crunch.

How to Make Ground Chicken Burgers

This is a super simple recipe that comes together in no time.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayo, onions, garlic, parsley, and your seasonings.

Step 2: Combine Gently
Using your hands (or a spatula), gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix — you want the patties to stay tender.

Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape them into patties. I usually make a small indentation in the center of each patty with my thumb — it helps them cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface if needed. Place the patties down and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. No need to press them down while cooking — that’ll just squeeze out the juices.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Use Your Hands: It’s easier to mix the meat and ingredients evenly with your hands. You can wear gloves if you’d rather not get messy.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stir just enough to bring everything together. Too much mixing makes the burgers tough.
• Don’t Flatten the Burgers on the Grill: Let them cook undisturbed, then flip gently. Pressing down will make them dry.
• Make Ahead: You can mix and shape the patties ahead of time. Store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These burgers go great with:

• A side of baked sweet potato fries or crispy potato wedges
• A fresh salad (try a cucumber tomato salad or coleslaw)
• Pickles and your favorite dipping sauces
• Toasted burger buns or even lettuce wraps if you want to skip the bread

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the burgers cool to room temperature first. Then:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each patty tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. For frozen burgers, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works just as well and has a similar flavor and texture.

Are these burgers gluten-free?
You can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a GF bun or lettuce wrap.

What if I don’t like mayo?
Greek yogurt is a good substitute — it keeps the burgers moist while adding a little tang.

Try other recipes:

• Ground Chicken Tacos
• Ground Chicken Nuggets
• Ground Chicken Meatballs