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