Grilled chicken burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of spices in the ground chicken adds a burst of flavor, while the fresh lettuce and tomato provide a refreshing crunch.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually cook with ground chicken, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Ground chicken is a lean protein that can be found in the poultry section. Additionally, make sure you have garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on hand, as these spices are essential for seasoning the patties.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the patties.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Provides a mild onion taste to the patties.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Burger buns: The bread that holds the burger together.
Cheese: Optional, but adds a creamy texture and flavor when melted on the patties.
Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy element to the burger.
Tomato: Sliced for a juicy, tangy topping.
Technique Tip for Making Chicken Burgers
When forming the patties, make a small indentation in the center of each one. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle. Additionally, always let the grill preheat fully before placing the patties on it to ensure a good sear and to lock in the juices.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground chicken - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for ground chicken in burgers.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the taste of the burger more than onion powder.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and complexity, making it a good alternative to paprika.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.
burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb alternative to burger buns and add a fresh, crunchy texture.
optional cheese - Substitute with avocado slices: Avocado slices add creaminess and a rich flavor, making them a healthy alternative to optional cheese.
shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach provides a similar texture and adds extra nutrients compared to shredded lettuce.
sliced tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor, making them a tasty alternative to sliced tomato.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Chicken Burgers
How To Store or Freeze Your Chicken Burgers
Allow the grilled chicken patties to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the cooled chicken patties in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat the patties in a microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For freezing:
- Wrap each chicken patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped patties in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the patties for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen chicken patties:
- Transfer the desired number of patties from the freezer to the refrigerator.
- Allow them to thaw overnight or for at least 12 hours.
- Reheat the thawed patties in a microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For reheating:
- In the microwave: Place the chicken patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness.
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- On the stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
To store burger buns:
- Keep burger buns in their original packaging or transfer them to a resealable plastic bag.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen buns at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
For toppings like lettuce and tomato:
- Store lettuce in a plastic bag or container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Store sliced tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled chicken patties on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the patties with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For added flavor, you can brush the patties with a bit of barbecue sauce before reheating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the chicken patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and adds a slight crisp to the exterior.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the patties dry and rubbery.
Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the chicken patties in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method will give the patties a nice, smoky flavor.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is quick and helps maintain the texture of the patties.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Burgers
Grill: Used to cook the chicken patties evenly and give them a delicious smoky flavor.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground chicken with the spices and seasonings.
Spatula: Essential for flipping the chicken patties on the grill without breaking them.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to slice the tomato.
Knife: Used to slice the tomato for the burger toppings.
Plate: Used to hold the assembled burgers before serving.
Tongs: Useful for placing the patties on the grill and removing them once cooked.
Cheese slicer: If using cheese, this tool helps to slice the cheese evenly.
Basting brush: Optional, but can be used to brush the patties with oil before grilling to prevent sticking.
How to Save Time on Making Chicken Burgers
Pre-mix the spices: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in advance to save time when preparing the ground chicken.
Use pre-shredded lettuce: Buy pre-shredded lettuce to eliminate the need for washing and chopping.
Slice tomatoes ahead: Slice the tomato the night before and store it in the fridge to save prep time.
Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while you form the patties to streamline the cooking process.
Use a burger press: A burger press can help you quickly form uniform patties.
Grilled Chicken Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 Burger buns
- 4 slices Cheese optional
- 1 cup Lettuce shredded
- 1 Tomato sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Grill the patties for about 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the buns and topping with lettuce and tomato.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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