Description

These homemade chicken burgers are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor! Perfect for a quick and easy meal, they come together in under 30 minutes. Whether pan-fried, grilled, or air-fried, these burgers are packed with savory goodness and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Serve them with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for the ultimate burger experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Patties:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tablespoons flour (for extra crispiness)

For the Buns & Toppings:

4 brioche or whole wheat buns
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the buns)
½ cup lettuce leaves
1 large tomato, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
4 slices of cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss)

For the Garlic Mayo Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Patties

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin fillets.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken fillets.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs and flour.
Dip each seasoned chicken fillet into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
Place the chicken fillets in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
If using cheese, add a slice to each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Spread butter on the inside of each bun.
Place them in a dry skillet or oven for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Mayo

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Spread a generous layer of garlic mayo on the bottom bun.
Add lettuce, a chicken patty, tomato slices, and red onion.
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
To make it healthier, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying or use an air fryer at 375°F for 12 minutes.
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or use sriracha mayo instead of garlic mayo.
Make it low-carb by using lettuce wraps instead of buns.

Nutrition

Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg