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Ground Chicken Smash Burgers

These Ground Chicken Smash Burgers are thin, tender, and packed with savory flavor, featuring crispy browned edges and melted cheddar cheese on a toasted bun. Seasoned ground chicken is quickly smashed and cooked in a hot skillet for an easy twist on classic burgers. Perfect for anyone looking for delicious ground chicken burger recipes, easy recipes using ground chicken, or a flavorful homemade chicken burger.

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Burgers
Ingredients Method Notes

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 the Burgers
  • 4 –6 burger buns
  • 4 –6 slices cheddar cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Pickles
  • For the Burger Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise.
  2. Gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and loosely shape each portion into a ball.
  4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
  5. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken portions into the pan, leaving enough space between them.
  6. Place a small piece of parchment paper over each portion and firmly press with a sturdy spatula to create thin patties.
  7. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and the first side is cooked.
  8. Carefully flip each patty and cook for another 2–4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the final minute of cooking. Cover briefly to melt the cheese.
  10. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and garlic powder to make the burger sauce.
  11. Toast the burger buns in the skillet for 1–2 minutes.
  12. Spread the sauce over the bottom buns.
  13. Add lettuce, a chicken patty, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
  14. Add more sauce if desired, then cover with the top bun.
  15. 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.