Healthy Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Lean Burgers Recipe
Introduction
Healthy chicken burgers offer a delicious and lean alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with fresh herbs and spices, these burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal that’s a little lighter on calories.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken breast (extra lean)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, parsley, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Step 2: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
- Step 3: Check the mixture’s consistency; it should be moist but not too wet. Add more breadcrumbs if necessary, or a little olive oil or water if it feels dry.
- Step 4: (Optional) Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions.
- Step 6: Shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your buns.
- Step 7: Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Step 8: (Optional) Place patties on parchment paper, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Step 9: To pan-fry, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Step 10: To grill, preheat the grill to medium heat and grill patties for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Step 11: Remove burgers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Step 12: Toast buns, add your favorite condiments, and layer the burgers with toppings of your choice.
- Step 13: Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, flavorful chicken burgers!
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of plain yogurt or grated zucchini to the mixture.
- Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or basil for different flavor profiles.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- Serve with avocado slices or a spicy sriracha mayo for an added kick.
Storage
Store cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will yield a similarly lean and flavorful burger.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
The burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Healthy Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Lean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Healthy Chicken Burgers are made with extra lean ground chicken breast and wholesome ingredients like whole wheat breadcrumbs and fresh herbs. They offer a delicious, lean alternative to traditional beef burgers, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether pan-fried or grilled, these burgers have a flavorful smoky touch from smoked paprika and a moist, tender texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken breast (extra lean)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, parsley, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This ensures all flavors and seasonings are well incorporated.
- Mix Gently: Mix all ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix which can make the burgers tough.
- Check Consistency: Assess the mixture’s moisture level. It should be moist but hold together; add more breadcrumbs if too wet or a bit of olive oil or water if too dry.
- Optional Rest: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and improve texture.
- Divide Mixture: Portion the chicken mixture into four equal parts for uniform patties.
- Shape Patties: Form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns to accommodate shrinkage during cooking.
- Create Thumbprint: Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to promote even cooking and prevent puffing.
- Optional Chill: Place patties on parchment paper, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up for cooking.
- Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Grilling: Alternatively, preheat the grill to medium heat and grill patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove burgers from heat and let rest a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute within the patties.
- Assemble: Toast the whole wheat buns lightly, add your preferred condiments, then layer on the chicken patties along with any desired toppings.
- Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while warm and enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal!
Notes
- To keep burgers moist, avoid overmixing the chicken mixture.
- The thumbprint in each patty helps prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking.
- Resting the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Whole wheat buns add extra fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white buns.
- These burgers can be customized with toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or low-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy chicken burgers, lean chicken burger, easy chicken burger recipe, whole wheat buns, healthy grilling, low fat chicken burgers
