Looking for a mouthwatering twist on the classic burger? These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers combine juicy ground chicken with bold ranch seasoning and melty cheddar cheese for a flavor-packed meal the whole family will love. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, they’re quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, or casual gatherings.
Forget dry chicken burgers — this recipe guarantees moist, tender patties loaded with ranch-inspired flavor and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Healthier alternative to beef
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Full of flavor – ranch + cheddar is a winning combo
✅ Perfect for meal prep
✅ Can be grilled, pan-fried, or oven-baked
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame buns recommended)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickles or red onion slices
- More cheddar cheese slices (optional)
- Ranch dressing or mayo for topping
Recommended Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet or grill pan
- Spatula or grill tongs
- Burger press or your hands for shaping
- Meat thermometer (optional for doneness check)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Make the Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, and herbs (if using).
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — do not overmix.
- Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick.
Tip: Chill patties for 10–15 minutes in the fridge to help them hold their shape during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Burgers
Option A: Pan-Fried
- Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Option B: Grilled
- Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully cooked.
Option C: Oven-Baked
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)
- While the burgers are cooking, lightly butter the buns and toast them in a skillet or on the grill until golden.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Spread ranch dressing or mayo on the bottom bun.
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, and a warm chicken patty.
- Top with more cheddar cheese or onion slices if desired.
- Cover with the top bun and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Ground chicken can be sticky — wet your hands slightly when forming patties.
- Don’t press the burgers while cooking; it releases juices and can dry them out.
- For extra ranch flavor, add a tablespoon of ranch dressing into the meat mix.
- Always check doneness — chicken must be cooked fully through.
Variations
🔥 Spicy Ranch Chicken Burgers
Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for heat.
🧄 Garlic Ranch Burgers
Add minced garlic or garlic powder for a more savory depth.
🧀 Cheesy-Stuffed Chicken Burgers
Add a cube of cheese to the center of each patty before cooking for a gooey surprise.
🥗 Low-Carb Option
Serve wrapped in lettuce or on low-carb buns for a keto-friendly meal.
Make It Fit Your Diet
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- Low-carb/Keto: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead. Serve in lettuce wraps.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- High-protein: Add an egg-white fried topping or serve with a side of protein-rich salad.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
- Store leftover patties (cooked) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze uncooked or cooked patties between parchment paper layers in a zip bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes on high.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Skillet: Reheat with a splash of water and lid on for juicier results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works great and absorbs flavor just as well.
Can I double the batch for meal prep?
Absolutely. These freeze beautifully and can be reheated quickly.
Can I make sliders instead of full burgers?
Of course — divide the mixture into 8 small patties and reduce cook time slightly.
Conclusion
These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are juicy, cheesy, herby, and flat-out delicious. Perfectly seasoned with ranch, studded with cheddar, and stacked on toasted buns with your favorite toppings — they’re a satisfying twist on traditional burgers. Whether you’re cooking indoors or grilling outside, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and hard to resist.
Give these burgers a try tonight and bring that ranch-flavored magic to your table
