If you’re looking for a fun twist on the classic burger, these Ground Chicken Smash Burgers are an easy and flavorful choice. Made with seasoned ground chicken and cooked in a hot skillet until the edges become beautifully browned, these burgers deliver plenty of flavor in every bite.
Unlike traditional thick burgers, smash burgers are pressed thin against a hot cooking surface. This creates more contact with the pan, giving the outside deliciously crisp, browned edges while keeping the center tender and juicy.
These burgers are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or weekend cookouts. If you’re collecting ground chicken burger recipes or looking for new recipes using ground chicken, this is a simple one to add to your menu.
Why You’ll Love These Ground Chicken Smash Burgers
These burgers are quick, customizable, and packed with savory flavor.
- Easy to prepare
- Uses simple ingredients
- Great way to use ground chicken
- Crispy, browned edges
- Tender center
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
Ground chicken has a mild flavor, which makes it perfect for seasoning with garlic, onion, paprika, and herbs.
Ingredients
For the chicken burgers:
- 1½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For serving:
- 4–6 burger buns
- 4–6 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion
- Pickles
For the sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Ground Chicken Smash Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Place the ground chicken in a large bowl.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise.
Gently mix everything together until just combined.
Avoid overmixing because this can make the burgers dense.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the chicken mixture into 6 equal portions.
Instead of forming thick traditional patties, loosely shape each portion into a ball.
Keeping the meat loosely packed makes it easier to create thin, tender smash burgers during cooking.
Place the chicken balls on a plate while you heat the skillet.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
Add a small amount of olive oil.
The pan should be hot before adding the chicken.
A hot cooking surface is important because it helps create the browned edges that make smash burgers special.
Step 4: Smash the Burgers
Place the chicken portions in the hot skillet, leaving space between them.
Using a sturdy spatula, firmly press each portion into a thin patty.
You can place a small piece of parchment paper between the spatula and chicken to prevent sticking.
Press the patties once and avoid repeatedly flattening them while they cook.
Step 5: Cook Until Browned
Cook the patties for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side.
The edges should become deeply browned.
Carefully flip each burger and cook for another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness.
Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger during the final minute of cooking.
Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt.
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the burgers from the pan.
Make the Burger Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth.
This creamy sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully with the savory chicken.
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the burgers.
Assemble the Chicken Burgers
Toast the burger buns in the same skillet for a minute or two.
Spread the sauce over the bottom bun.
Add lettuce, followed by the cheesy chicken burger.
Top with tomato, red onion, and pickles.
Spread additional sauce on the top bun and place it over the burger.
Serve immediately while the patties are hot and the cheese is melted.
Choosing Ground Chicken
When making chicken burgers ground from chicken, look for ground chicken with enough moisture and fat to prevent the patties from becoming dry.
Ground chicken breast can be leaner, while ground chicken made from a combination of breast and thigh meat can produce a more tender result.
If your ground chicken is particularly lean, the mayonnaise in this recipe adds a little extra moisture and richness.
Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Burger
Keep the Meat Cold
Cold ground chicken is easier to handle and shape.
Don’t Overmix
Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat can create a firm texture.
Use a Hot Pan
A properly heated skillet helps create browned edges.
Don’t Smash Again After Flipping
Pressing the burger repeatedly can squeeze out moisture.
Toast the Buns
A lightly toasted bun adds texture and prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.
Easy Variations
Spicy Chicken Burgers
Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mixture.
Garlic Parmesan Burgers
Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and extra garlic powder.
BBQ Chicken Burgers
Replace the burger sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce and add crispy onions.
Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Mix a little buffalo-style hot sauce into the chicken and top with lettuce and a creamy dressing.
Mediterranean Chicken Burgers
Add oregano to the chicken and serve with cucumber, tomato, feta, and a yogurt-based sauce.
Recipes Using Ground Chicken
If you have extra ground chicken, there are plenty of recipes using ground chicken to try.
Ground chicken works well in:
- Chicken meatballs
- Chicken lettuce wraps
- Chicken tacos
- Chicken meatloaf
- Stuffed peppers
- Chicken pasta dishes
- Chicken patties
- Chicken bowls
Its mild flavor makes it easy to season in many different ways.
What to Serve With Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers pair beautifully with classic sides.
Try serving them with:
- Crispy oven fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Potato wedges
- Side salad
- Pickles
- Grilled vegetables
- Corn on the cob
For a lighter meal, serve the burger with a large green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooked chicken patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through.
Keep the burger toppings and buns separate for the best texture.
You can also freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burgers without cheese?
Absolutely. The chicken patties are flavorful enough to serve without cheese.
Can I grill ground chicken burgers?
Yes, but smash burgers are especially suited to a flat, hot cooking surface. If grilling, make sure the patties are firm enough to handle and cook them until they reach 165°F.
Why are my chicken burgers dry?
Overcooking or using extremely lean ground chicken can result in dry burgers. Avoid overmixing and use a thermometer to check when they’re done.
Can I make smaller burgers?
Yes. Divide the mixture into smaller portions and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, American-style cheese, provolone, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are all delicious options.
Final Thoughts
These Ground Chicken Smash Burgers are a delicious way to transform simple ground chicken into a fun, satisfying meal. Pressing the chicken into thin patties creates beautifully browned edges while the savory seasoning and melted cheese add plenty of flavor.
Whether you’re searching for ground chicken burger recipes, a new chicken burger, or easy recipes using ground chicken, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight and customizable enough to make again and again. Serve your chicken burgers with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite burger toppings for an easy homemade meal.
Ground Chicken Smash Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise.
- Gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and loosely shape each portion into a ball.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken portions into the pan, leaving enough space between them.
- Place a small piece of parchment paper over each portion and firmly press with a sturdy spatula to create thin patties.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and the first side is cooked.
- Carefully flip each patty and cook for another 2–4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the final minute of cooking. Cover briefly to melt the cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and garlic powder to make the burger sauce.
- Toast the burger buns in the skillet for 1–2 minutes.
- Spread the sauce over the bottom buns.
- Add lettuce, a chicken patty, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
- Add more sauce if desired, then cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately with your favorite burger sides.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the ground chicken or the burgers may become dense.
- Keep the chicken cold until you’re ready to shape it.
- A very hot skillet is important for creating browned, crispy edges.
- Use parchment paper between the spatula and chicken when smashing to prevent sticking.
- Don’t repeatedly press the burgers while cooking, as this can release moisture.
- Always cook ground chicken to 165°F (74°C).
- Ground chicken made with a combination of breast and thigh meat can produce especially tender burgers.
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months.
