Say goodbye to boring burgers and hello to a bold flavor explosion with these Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce! Juicy, well-seasoned chicken patties are grilled or pan-seared to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce that takes each bite to the next level.
Inspired by the popular “bang-bang” flavor profile known from Asian fusion dishes, this burger combines the comfort of a homemade chicken patty with the irresistible appeal of a zesty sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess — ideal for family dinners, BBQs, or weekend comfort food.
These burgers are easy to prepare and offer a healthier, lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Serve them with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
To prepare your chicken burgers and bang-bang sauce with ease, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls – For both the chicken patty mixture and sauce.
- Grater or garlic press – For fresh garlic and optional ginger.
- Spatula or tongs – For flipping the patties.
- Skillet or grill pan – Non-stick or cast iron works well.
- Food thermometer – To check doneness (165°F / 74°C).
- Measuring cups and spoons – For sauce and seasoning accuracy.
- Small whisk or fork – To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
These tools make preparation straightforward and help you achieve consistent, delicious results.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 4 chicken burgers.
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for moisture)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
For the Bang-Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
For Assembly:
- 4 burger buns (brioche or classic)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickled onions or cucumbers (optional)
- Extra bang-bang sauce for spreading
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Bang-Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking.
Cover and refrigerate while preparing the burgers to let the flavors develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic, green onions, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs (if using). Mix gently until just combined — avoid over-mixing to keep the patties tender.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps them cook evenly without puffing up).
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Burgers
Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Once done, let them rest for a minute while you prepare the buns and toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
Lightly toast the buns (optional but recommended for texture).
Spread a generous spoonful of bang-bang sauce on both the top and bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato, and your cooked chicken patty. Add extra sauce over the patty, then top with pickled onions or cucumbers if using.
Cover with the top bun and press gently.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and delivers a similar texture. Just ensure it’s not too lean so the patties stay juicy.
Is the bang-bang sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from sriracha, but the mayo and sweet chili sauce balance it out. Adjust the sriracha to make it milder or hotter as desired.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes. Form the patties and store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours. Cook when ready to serve.
What sides go well with these burgers?
Try them with sweet potato fries, a crisp cabbage slaw, grilled corn, or a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve the patties on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Conclusion
Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce are the ultimate fusion of comfort and bold flavor. With juicy chicken, a creamy and spicy signature sauce, and all your favorite toppings layered on a fluffy bun, this burger hits every note: savory, sweet, spicy, and satisfying.
Whether you’re grilling out, feeding your family, or meal-prepping lunches for the week, these burgers are a standout choice that’s both easy to make and sure to impress. The bang-bang sauce alone is worth keeping in your fridge — it’s a total flavor bomb that works on everything from burgers to salads to wraps.
So next time you’re craving something more exciting than a regular chicken sandwich, whip up these bang-bang chicken burgers. They’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
