These Ground Chicken Burgers are one of my favorite weeknight go-to meals—juicy, flavorful, and easy to whip up in just over 20 minutes. I mix ground chicken with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of mayo to keep them tender and moist. Whether grilled or pan-cooked, they’re a lighter but satisfying alternative to beef burgers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these chicken burgers are full of flavor without being heavy. The mayonnaise locks in moisture, while the onions, garlic, and parsley bring a bright freshness. They cook quickly and pair perfectly with my favorite burger toppings for a healthy and delicious meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground chicken (1 pound)
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Italian breadcrumbs (½ cup)
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Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons)
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Minced onions (2 tablespoons)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon)
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Garlic clove, minced (1)
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Paprika (½ teaspoon)
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Salt (½ teaspoon)
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Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
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Avocado oil or other cooking oil (1 tablespoon)
For Serving
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Hamburger buns
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Lettuce
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Tomato slices
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Red onion slices
Directions
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In a medium bowl, I combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onions, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. I mix gently with my hands just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the patties tough.
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I form the mixture into 4 patties about ¾-inch thick and press a small indent in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
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I preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the oil to coat the surface.
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I place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 5–6 minutes on the first side until golden brown. I flip them and cook another 5–6 minutes on the other side.
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I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. If needed, I lower the heat and cook a little longer to finish.
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I serve the burgers hot on buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion—or whatever toppings I’m craving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes add a bit of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to the mix for a kick.
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For a Mediterranean twist, I mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and feta.
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I’ve used panko instead of Italian breadcrumbs when I want a lighter texture.
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To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour.
storage/reheating
I store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave them until hot. These burgers also freeze well—both raw and cooked. I separate them with parchment paper and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, I often swap in ground turkey for a similar lean burger. It works just as well with this seasoning mix.
How do I keep chicken burgers from drying out?
The mayonnaise in the mix helps a lot. I also make sure not to overcook them—165°F internal temperature is perfect.
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely. I oil the grates and grill the patties over medium heat, about 5–6 minutes per side, just like the stovetop version.
What’s the best way to prevent the patties from sticking?
I lightly oil my hands when shaping the patties and use oil in the pan or grill. A non-stick surface also helps.
Are these burgers good for meal prep?
Yes, I make a batch ahead of time and reheat throughout the week. They’re great for lunches or quick dinners.
Conclusion
These Ground Chicken Burgers are a simple, satisfying meal that I come back to again and again. They’re juicy, flavorful, and easy to customize with whatever toppings or sides I’m in the mood for. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a crowd, these burgers always hit the spot.
Print
Ground Chicken Burgers
Juicy and flavorful chicken burgers made with fresh onion, garlic, parsley, and a touch of mayonnaise to lock in moisture. These quick-cooking patties are perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight meal—ready in just over 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons minced onions
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onions, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined—do not overwork.
- Form the mixture into 4 patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add oil to coat the pan.
- Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 5–6 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook another 5–6 minutes on the other side.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 165°F internal temperature. If needed, lower heat and cook a bit longer.
- Serve hot on buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat—this keeps the burgers tender.
- Use a grill pan for char marks, or a skillet for quicker cleanup.
- Serve with sweet potato fries or a green salad for a balanced meal.
- Burgers can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty without bun
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg