
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to feel a little special, and these chicken burgers prove it. You blitz chicken with garlic and a duo of bold herbs, shape thick patties with oiled hands, then pan-sear, and dinner is made. They’re perfect for quick weeknights, meal-prep lunches, or a “build-your-own burger” moment with salad on the side.
What Are Chicken Burgers?
Chicken burgers are patties made from ground chicken. Compared with beef burgers, they’re typically lighter but can dry out if overworked or overcooked, so technique matters. This recipe leans on rosemary and sage for a fragrant flavor and a juicy bite that holds together beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Burgers
- Don’t over-blend the chicken. You want a smooth mixture, but stopping as soon as it looks uniform helps keep the texture tender instead of rubbery.
- Oil your hands for shaping, and give the pan enough olive oil so the patties sear instead of sticking.
- Make patties evenly thick so they cook at the same pace, and have no dry edges with a raw center.
- Cook to doneness, and not guesswork. Chicken burgers are safest and still juicy when they reach 74°C/165°F in the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my chicken burgers dry?
Chicken can dry out quickly if it’s overcooked or if the mixture is blended for too long. Try cooking on medium heat and flipping only when the first side has a nice sear.
Can I cook these in the oven or air fryer instead of a pan?
You can, though, pan-searing gives the best crust and taste. In an oven, bake on a lined tray and flip halfway through. In an air fryer, cook in a single layer, either way, a light brush of olive oil helps the outside brown nicely.
What should I serve with chicken burgers?
They’re great with salad, roasted potatoes, or a quick veggie side to keep things balanced. You can also go classic with buns, lettuce, and your favorite sauce, because these patties are sturdy enough to handle toppings.
Can I Freeze Chicken Burgers?
Freezing works best with cooked patties because they reheat evenly. Just wrap each patty tightly and store for up to 3 months.
How to Store Chicken Burgers
Store leftover cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for a week. Let them cool before sealing the container to avoid steam making them soggy.
Ingredients
How to Make Chicken Burgers
Add the chicken meat to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add garlic, rosemary, sage leaves, salt, and pepper, then blend again until everything is mixed.
Add the chicken meat to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add garlic, rosemary, sage leaves, salt, and pepper, then blend again until everything is mixed.
Rub a little extra virgin olive oil on your hands, form the mixture into large meatballs, then press each one into a burger patty with your palm.
Rub a little extra virgin olive oil on your hands, form the mixture into large meatballs, then press each one into a burger patty with your palm.
Pour extra virgin olive oil into a pan over medium heat and cook the patties for a few minutes on each side.
Pour extra virgin olive oil into a pan over medium heat and cook the patties for a few minutes on each side.
Serve with salad or build a full burger situation with whatever toppings you love.
Serve with salad or build a full burger situation with whatever toppings you love.