Grilled Chicken Burger Recipe - A Perfect, Quick And Easy Meal
Garlic Grilled Chicken Burger—tender, juicy chicken infused with garlic and herbs, grilled to perfection and served with favorite toppings!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Cast-iron skillet or grill
- Spatula
- Meat mallet (optional)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Baking tray (for buns)
Ingredients
Garlic Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Chicken Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Burgers:
- 2 chicken breasts pounded to 1 cm (2/5″) thickness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 4 slices cheese e.g., cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella
- 4 burger rolls split and lightly toasted
- 1 ripe avocado mashed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Mayo: Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Cover and set aside for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Season and Prepare Chicken: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish If needed, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 cm trim chicken slightly larger than bun size (it will shrink when cooked).
- Cook Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until golden brown season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Toast Buns: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Toast burger buns until lightly crispy and leave them in the oven (turned off) to stay warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over high heat. Dredge chicken in the seasoning mixture, shaking off excess, and place in the skillet. Cook for 2 1/2 minutes on one side until golden. Flip, top with cheese (if using), and cook for another 1 1/2 minutes. Cover briefly if the cheese hasn’t melted. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread mashed avocado on the bottom half of each bun and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Layer with cooked chicken, caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomato slices. Spread garlic mayo on the top half of the bun and place it on top.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a side of fries, salad, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Smoky Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the chicken seasoning mix or try grilling over charcoal for an extra smoky taste.
- Thawing Frozen Chicken: Ensure frozen chicken is completely thawed and patted dry to help it absorb seasoning better and cook evenly.
- Preventing Avocado Browning: Mix a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice into the mashed avocado to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix if you enjoy heat. Alternatively, drizzle sriracha over the assembled burger for an extra kick.
- Cheese Melting Tip: If the cheese doesn’t melt completely on the skillet, transfer the chicken to a preheated oven for a minute or two.
- Cooking Oil Alternatives: Use avocado oil or ghee for a richer flavor instead of olive oil.
- Portion Adjustment: If serving a larger crowd, double the ingredients. You can cook the chicken in batches to maintain consistent results.
- Customizing Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings such as pickled onions, roasted red peppers, or even pineapple slices for a unique twist.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these burgers with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a light green salad for a complete meal.