Switching up the burger routine can be a delightful adventure, and these Chicken Burgers are proof! Made with simple ingredients, they’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick dinner idea. I served them on homemade sour cream hamburger buns (using a modified sour cream bread recipe), and they were a huge hit with the whole family—kids included!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These chicken burgers are:

• Healthier than traditional beef burgers

• Quick to prepare with basic pantry ingredients

• Customizable with your favorite seasonings and toppings

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground chicken

• ½ cup bread crumbs

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 dashes cayenne pepper

• A pinch of Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill.
Set your BBQ grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the patties.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties.

3. Grill the burgers.
Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook until fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Add the finishing touches.
In the final minute of grilling, top the patties with your favorite cheese (optional) and let it melt.

5. Assemble your burger.
Serve the chicken burgers on toasted buns with your choice of condiments and toppings. Some ideas include lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, or a dollop of spicy aioli.

Tips for Success

• Avoid Dryness: Chicken patties can dry out quickly, so don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

• Homemade Buns: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making homemade buns to elevate your burger game. My sour cream bread dough works beautifully for this!

• Mix-Ins: Feel free to add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the burger mixture for extra flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Burgers: Add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.

• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh dill, cilantro, or basil for a fragrant twist.

• Asian-Inspired: Use panko bread crumbs and add a dash of soy sauce and ginger for a fusion flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Burgers are a delicious departure from traditional beef burgers. They’re flavorful, healthier, and easy to make, making them a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or summer grilling repertoire. My kids devoured them and were begging for seconds, which is always a win in my book.

What’s your favorite way to top a chicken burger? Let me know in the comments below!