Description
This recipe for Healthy Chicken Burgers offers a delicious and lean alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with extra lean ground chicken breast and whole wheat buns, these burgers are packed with flavor from fresh herbs, spices, and Dijon mustard, while keeping the calorie and fat content low. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal, the patties can be cooked on the stovetop or grilled to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Patty
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
To Serve
- 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, ensuring all components are evenly distributed.
- Mix Gently: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined to maintain tenderness, avoiding overmixing which can toughen the patties.
- Check Consistency: The mixture should be moist but not overly wet; if too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a small amount of olive oil or water to achieve the right texture.
- Optional Rest: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and improve patties’ firmness.
- Divide Mixture: Divide the chicken mixture evenly into four portions for uniform patty sizes.
- Shape Patties: Shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns, forming a shallow indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
- Optional Chill: Place the formed patties on parchment paper, cover, and refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Pan-Fry Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook each patty for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
- Alternative Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill each patty for 5-7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Patties: Remove the cooked burgers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast the whole wheat buns lightly, add your favorite condiments and desired toppings, then layer the cooked chicken patties on the buns.
- Serve: Serve the assembled chicken burgers immediately while warm and enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using extra lean ground chicken keeps the burgers low in fat while maintaining flavor.
- Resting the mixture before shaping enhances flavor and texture.
- The indentation in the patty center prevents puffing up during cooking for even burgers.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- These burgers can be served with a variety of healthy toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, and low-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
