Juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, this Ground Chicken Burgers recipe is a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Ground chicken is mixed with simple seasonings, garlic, onion, and breadcrumbs to create tender patties that stay moist while developing a beautifully golden crust. They’re hearty enough for a backyard cookout but simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner.

I make Ground Chicken Burgers whenever I want a lighter burger that still feels satisfying. The trick is adding just a few ingredients that keep the patties juicy without making them complicated. I usually pile them onto toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and my favorite burger sauce, but they’re just as good wrapped in lettuce or served over a salad. Once you try these homemade burgers, you’ll see they’re every bit as satisfying as classic burgers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and tender every time.
• Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Lighter than traditional beef burgers.
• Great for grilling, stovetop cooking, or baking.
• Perfect for meal prep.
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
• Family-friendly and beginner-friendly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground chicken – Ground chicken creates a lighter burger that’s still juicy when mixed with the right ingredients. Regular ground chicken works especially well because it contains a little more fat, helping keep the burgers moist.
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs help bind the patties together while locking in moisture. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for a slightly lighter texture.
• 1 large egg – The egg helps hold the burger mixture together so the patties don’t fall apart while cooking. It also adds a little extra richness.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds bold flavor throughout the burgers. Mince it finely so it blends evenly into the mixture.
• ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion – Onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the chicken. Dice it very small so it cooks evenly inside the burgers.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds savory, umami flavor that makes the burgers taste richer. It also helps keep the patties juicy.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that pairs well with chicken and gives the burgers extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Paprika adds mild smoky flavor and helps create a beautiful golden exterior. Smoked paprika is a great option if you want a deeper flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Salt brings out the flavor of all the ingredients. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper adds a gentle kick without overpowering the other seasonings.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Olive oil is used to cook the burgers in a skillet and helps them develop a golden crust. If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates instead.
• 4 hamburger buns – Soft, toasted buns provide the perfect base for these juicy burgers. Brioche buns are especially delicious if you want something extra rich.

Optional Burger Toppings

• Lettuce – Crisp lettuce adds freshness and a satisfying crunch.
• Tomato slices – Fresh tomatoes add sweetness and balance the savory burger.
• Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese – Cheese melts beautifully over the hot burgers and adds extra richness.
• Red onion slices – Thinly sliced red onions provide a little bite and freshness.
• Pickles – Pickles add a tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
• Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce – Your favorite condiments finish the burger and add even more flavor.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet or grill
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Meat thermometer
• Plate

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How to Make Ground Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Mix the burger mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.

Step 2: Shape the patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to help prevent it from puffing up while cooking.

Step 3: Cook the burgers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, or preheat your grill to medium. Cook the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Add the cheese

If using cheese, place a slice on each burger during the final minute of cooking and cover the skillet or close the grill lid until melted.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Add the cooked burgers and your favorite toppings, then serve immediately.

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Recipe Variations

BBQ Ground Chicken Burgers

Mix a little barbecue sauce into the burger mixture and top with cheddar cheese and crispy onion rings.

Buffalo Ground Chicken Burgers

Add Buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture and serve with lettuce, tomato, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Burgers

Mix grated Parmesan and extra garlic into the patties, then serve with garlic aioli.

Southwest Ground Chicken Burgers

Season the mixture with taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese, avocado, salsa, and jalapeños.

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What to Serve With Ground Chicken Burgers

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted vegetables
• Corn on the cob
• Garden salad
• Onion rings
• Pickles

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftover Ground Chicken Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked or uncooked burger patties for up to 3 months. Separate each patty with parchment paper before freezing for easy storage.

Reheating

Reheat the burgers in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F (177°C) oven until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the texture is best when reheated on the stovetop or in the oven.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat

Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the burgers dense instead of tender and juicy.

Making the patties too thin

Thin patties cook quickly and can dry out. Aim for patties that are about ¾ inch thick for the best results.

Pressing down on the burgers

Avoid pressing the burgers with a spatula while they cook. This squeezes out the juices and can make them dry.

Overcooking the chicken

Ground chicken should be cooked to 165°F (74°C), but cooking it much longer can dry it out. A meat thermometer makes it easy to know when they’re done.

Skipping the toasted buns

Toasting the buns adds flavor and helps keep them from becoming soggy once the burger is assembled.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill Ground Chicken Burgers?

Yes. Grill them over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Why are my chicken burgers falling apart?

Ground chicken is softer than ground beef, so breadcrumbs and an egg help hold everything together. Chilling the patties for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking can also help them keep their shape.

Can I make Ground Chicken Burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Can I freeze uncooked chicken burger patties?

Yes. Freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between each patty.

What are the best toppings for Ground Chicken Burgers?

Lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, pickles, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and your favorite burger sauce all pair wonderfully with these juicy chicken burgers.