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Delicious Chicken Burgers featured image showcasing a juicy and flavorful meal.

Best Ever Chicken Burgers

These chicken burgers are incredibly juicy and flavorful, addressing the common problem of dry, bland chicken patties. Using ground chicken thighs, a blend of binding agents, and strategic seasoning, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality burger at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs ground
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns
  • Lettuce for topping
  • Tomato slices for topping
  • Cheese slices for topping
  • Avocado slices for topping

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grill or skillet
  • spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix Gently: Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough burger.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking.
  4. Chill the Patties: Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the patties to firm up, making them easier to cook and preventing them from falling apart.
  5. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook the Burgers: Place the chilled patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest the Burgers: Remove the burgers from the grill or skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns if desired. Place the cooked chicken burgers on the buns and top with your favorite burger toppings.
  9. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use ground chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy burger. Chilling the patties is crucial to prevent them from falling apart during cooking. Be careful not to overcook the burgers; use a thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Letting the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger. You can substitute different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.