Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Burgers Recipe

Mouthwatering Juicy Chicken Burgers Ready in Just 20 Minutes!

Succulent chicken burgers are a tasty treat that can turn any meal into something special.

These juicy sandwiches have become a favorite for those looking for a healthier option than beef burgers.

With their tender, flavorful meat nestled between soft buns, they offer the comfort of familiar foods.

There’s no limit to the creative mix of spices, toppings, and marinades you can use to make them unique and exciting.

Both cooking enthusiasts and kitchen professionals enjoy how easy it is to prepare these popular dishes with endless possibilities.

Packed with nutrition and satisfaction, chicken burgers continue to charm with their perfect blend of taste, texture, and good-for-you ingredients.

Tips To Nail Juicy Chicken Burgers

  • Boost Moisture Retention: Add grated onion and herbs to keep chicken burgers exceptionally juicy and prevent dryness during grilling.
  • Handle with Wet Hands: Dampen hands with water when forming patties to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform burger shapes.
  • Maintain Precise Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking and losing tenderness.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeño quantity or swap with milder peppers like bell peppers to control heat intensity for different taste preferences.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow burgers to rest 5-10 minutes after grilling to redistribute internal juices, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.

How To Keep Juicy Chicken Burgers Fresh And Juicy

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate burger patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm burgers in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain juiciness and food safety.
  • Microwave Option: Heat burgers for 30-45 seconds on medium power, checking halfway to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water to keep the meat moist.
  • Freeze Method: Wrap individual burger patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes Great With Juicy Chicken Burgers

  • Crisp Mediterranean Salad: Toss a light cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad dressed with olive oil and za'atar to complement the burger's Middle Eastern spices.
  • Zesty White Wine Selection: Serve a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or crisp Pinot Grigio to balance the burger's spicy and herbal notes, cutting through the richness of the garlic mayo.
  • Roasted Vegetable Side Dish: Prepare grilled zucchini and bell peppers seasoned with similar spices like cumin and sumac to echo the burger's flavor profile, creating a harmonious plate.
  • Cooling Herb Tzatziki: Prepare a quick yogurt-based tzatziki with cucumber, dill, and mint to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the burger's spicy and bold seasonings.

Ways To Switch Up Juicy Chicken Burgers

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Burgers: Replace regular buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free burger buns. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binding agent for the patties.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Burgers: Add extra chopped red pepper flakes and double the jalapeños for a more intense heat. Swap cilantro with fresh mint for a different herbal profile.
  • Herb-Infused Chicken Burgers: Incorporate fresh dill, oregano, and thyme into the meat mixture. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter garlic sauce.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Burgers: Skip the buns entirely and serve over a fresh mixed green salad. Top with avocado slices and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for added flavor and healthy fats.

Common Questions About Juicy Chicken Burgers

  • Why use ground chicken instead of other meats?

Ground chicken is leaner and healthier, offering a lighter protein option with less fat compared to beef or pork. It absorbs spices beautifully and creates a tender, moist burger texture.

  • How can I prevent my chicken burgers from falling apart on the grill?

Wet your hands before forming patties and ensure ingredients are well-mixed. The moisture from grated onion and added oil helps bind the mixture. Don’t flip the burgers too frequently while cooking.

  • What makes these chicken burgers different from regular chicken burgers?

The combination of herbs like cilantro and parsley, plus Middle Eastern spices such as sumac and Aleppo pepper, creates a unique flavor profile that elevates these burgers beyond basic chicken patties. The homemade garlic mayo adds an extra layer of complexity.

  • Can I make these burgers without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook these chicken burgers in a hot skillet, grill pan, or even bake them in the oven at 400°F. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Why Juicy Chicken Burgers Are Always A Hit

  • Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner: These chicken burgers burst with Mediterranean-inspired spices, making dinner exciting and delicious in under 30 minutes.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap jalapeños for milder peppers, adjust cheese options, or add unique toppings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Healthier Protein Alternative: Ground chicken offers a leaner protein choice compared to beef, providing lower fat content without sacrificing incredible flavor profiles.
  • Grill-Friendly Meal Solution: Perfect for outdoor cooking, these burgers transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality results with minimal prep and maximum taste satisfaction.

Everything You Need For Juicy Chicken Burgers

Meat Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: Soft and lean protein base for the burger, choose fresh and high-quality meat for best flavor and texture.
  • Chicken: Lean meat option with mild flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:
  • Red Onion, Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth and brightness to the burger mixture, choose fresh and fragrant herbs.
  • Jalapeños: Adds spicy kick and heat to the burger, select based on desired spice level.
  • Garlic: Provides robust and pungent flavor, use fresh and finely grated for best results.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Tomato Paste: Adds richness and umami depth to the burger mixture.
  • Oil: Helps bind ingredients and prevents dryness.
  • Cumin, Aleppo Pepper, Sumac, Salt: Spice blend that creates complex and layered flavor profile.
  • Lemon Zest: Brings bright and citrusy notes to the burger mixture.
Additional Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Base for creamy garlic sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness to the garlic mayo.
  • Cheese (Optional): Provides extra richness and flavor.
  • Buns: Serves as the burger's foundation and vessel.

How To Cook Juicy Chicken Burgers Right

Step 1: Prepare Burger Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend all ingredients thoroughly using your hands:
  • Ground chicken
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Tomato paste
  • Jalapeños
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Cumin
  • Aleppo pepper
  • Salt
  • Sumac
  • Lemon zest

Ensure every component is evenly distributed for maximum flavor impact.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Patties

Dampen your hands with cool water to prevent sticking. Carefully divide the meat mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Gently press each portion into flat, uniform circles about half-inch thick. Create a small indentation in the center to help burgers cook evenly.

Step 3: Grill with Precision

Heat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly spray cooking surface with non-stick spray. Place patties directly on hot surface. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, watching for golden brown exterior. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer.

Step 4: Craft Zesty Garlic Mayo

Whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Freshly grated garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley
  • Pinch of salt

Blend until smooth and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Step 5: Assemble Mouthwatering Burgers

Spread garlic mayo generously on both bun halves. Place grilled chicken patty on bottom bun. Add optional toppings like:
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Fresh lettuce
  • Pickled onions
  • Crispy bacon

Crown with top bun and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Print
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Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Burgers Recipe

Irresistibly Juicy Chicken Burgers Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent chicken burgers bring Mediterranean charm to dinner tables with bold herb-infused flavors. Crisp lettuce, creamy tzatziki, and perfectly grilled patties create a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 2 pounds (0.91 kilograms) ground chicken

Herbs and Aromatics:

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
  • 1 medium red onion, grated or finely chopped (about ⅔ cup)
  • 2 jalapenos, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sumac
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (from ½ lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil

Garlic Mayo Ingredients:

  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Serving Ingredients:

  • Burger buns
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Thinly sliced raw onion
  • Pickled red onions
  • Lettuce
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Pickles
  • Cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grill by heating it to medium temperature (375-400°F), ensuring an even cooking surface for the chicken patties.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground chicken with finely grated red onion, freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, tomato paste, diced jalapeños, and grated garlic.
  3. Incorporate oil, cumin, Aleppo pepper, salt, sumac, and lemon zest into the chicken mixture, thoroughly combining all ingredients to create a harmonious flavor profile.
  4. Moisten hands with cool water to prevent sticking, then carefully divide the seasoned chicken mixture into 6 generously sized or 8 smaller portions.
  5. Gently shape each portion into uniform, flat patties, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
  6. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
  7. Position the chicken patties directly on the heated grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
  8. For cheese lovers, add a slice during the final 3 minutes of grilling, allowing it to melt perfectly over the patties.
  9. Remove burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
  10. While burgers rest, whisk together mayonnaise, grated garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt to create a zesty garlic mayo.
  11. Taste and adjust the garlic mayo’s seasoning to achieve the desired flavor intensity.
  12. Spread a generous layer of garlic mayo on both top and bottom bun surfaces.
  13. Place the juicy chicken patty on the bottom bun and add preferred toppings for extra texture and flavor.
  14. Crown the burger with the top bun and serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure hands are wet when forming patties to prevent sticking and create smooth, uniform shapes for even cooking.
  • Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to maintain a tender, light texture that prevents tough, dense burgers.
  • Consider using ground chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor compared to lean chicken breast meat.
  • Experiment with alternative herbs like mint or dill to customize the burger’s Mediterranean-inspired profile and add unique aromatic notes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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