Healthy & Delicious Grilled Chicken Burger: A Guilt-Free Indulgence!
A grilled chicken burger is the way to go if you want a healthy, delicious alternative to your typical beef burger. With its juicy and tender chicken perfectly seasoned with blackened chicken seasoning, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper, it becomes a satisfying meal that’s macro-friendly and great for your meal prep. Add a dollop of fresh guac or spicy mayo sauce and top it off with caramelized onions and fresh tomatoes to bring out the flavor. The grilled chicken is lean, offering a wholesome source of protein while keeping the fat content low. Whether you enjoy it during the barbecue season or as a quick, healthy dinner, this recipe will make you want to eat it daily. With crispy edges and a soft center, it’s an indulgent burger you can enjoy without feeling guilty.
Why Do You Love This Recipe?
One of the best things about a grilled chicken burger is how delicious and flavorful it is, thanks to the smoky char from grilling and the grilled flavor that adds an irresistible taste. It’s a healthier choice than beef burgers, offering a leaner option with lean protein and lower fat content. The customization potential is endless—add cheese, fresh vegetables, or any of your favorite toppings to make it your own. With the right seasonings and herbs, you can craft a unique burger experience that suits your preference, whether you’re looking for a spicy kick or a milder flavor. It’s a better option if you’re watching your calorie intake or trying to reduce saturated fat, making this grilled chicken burger a substantial, versatile, and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients for a Delicious Burger
Main Ingredients
To make a grilled chicken burger, you will need a mix of fresh ingredients that come together perfectly. Start with ground or boneless chicken breast to ensure a lean, flavorful base. You’ll also need medium onions, minced garlic, and medium carrots, finely chopped for an extra depth of flavor. Add red bell pepper, fresh sliced mushrooms, and tomato, seeded and chopped, for a balance of freshness and texture.
Seasoning & Binding
For seasoning, seafood seasoning, kosher salt, ground black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder are essential to bring out the best in your burger. To bind the ingredients, fresh bread crumbs, an egg, and a touch of olive oil will help create a smooth patty.
Toppings & Final Touches
For toppings, you can go for avocado, mashed and spread across the burger, provolone cheese, pickled red onion, and leafy green lettuce to make it even more satisfying. For that extra kick, add a dollop of mayonnaise, ketchup, sriracha, or chili sauce, and complete the burger with a toasted hamburger bun or POM brioche hamburger bun. Whether you choose paprika, smoked paprika, or Italian spices, each will bring a unique twist to your grilled chicken burger experience.
Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by spraying a skillet with cooking spray and heating it over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent, followed by garlic, to release a fragrant aroma. Add the carrots, bell pepper, tomato, and mushrooms and cook until tender, which should take 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from heat and let them cool for about 20 minutes. Preheat your outdoor grill and lightly grease the grates with oil.
Preparing the Patties
Meanwhile, mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, seafood seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form this mixture into patties and set them aside. When the grill is ready, place the patties on and cook until the meat is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear—about 5 to 6 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Preparing the Chicken
Coat chicken breast halves with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt for the chicken seasoning. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and the cheese melts.
Final Steps and Assembly
For the final steps, lightly toast your buns on the grill while the chicken cooks. Prepare the toppings: caramelize onions until soft and golden, and marinate the chicken if needed. Once everything is ready, assemble your burger by placing lettuce leaves and tomato slices on the bottom bun. Then, add the grilled chicken with melted cheese. Top it with the caramelized onions and a dollop of mayonnaise, ketchup, or chili sauce. Cover with the top bun and secure it with a sandwich skewer.
How to Serve
When serving your grilled chicken burger, start with sesame seed buns and top the patty with your favorite toppings, such as fresh tomato, lettuce, onion, and a slice of cheese. Add a few pickles and some bacon for an extra savory touch. You can go with ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or even a special sauce like Thousand Island dressing for condiments. Pair the burger with a side of fries, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, or a refreshing Grilled Chicken Salad with favorite salad ingredients like Tabouli, Cilantro Lime Rice, and Potato Salad. If you’re hosting a BBQ or cookout, Fruit Salad, Corn Salad, and Macaroni Salad are perfect additions to the meal. Add a dollop of Garlic Aioli or Toum (whipped garlic sauce) to enhance the flavors even more.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a healthier alternative to a classic beef burger or need a go-to meal for meal prep, this grilled chicken burger is both nutritious and satisfying. The juicy, flavorful chicken paired with fresh veggies and customizable toppings is sure to please everyone, making it an excellent option for any occasion. Plus, with so many ways to personalize it, you can make this burger your own—whether you’re in the mood for something smoky, spicy, or tangy. Enjoy!
Grilled Chicken Burger: (FAQs)
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for the burger patties?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a lean alternative to ground chicken. It will still yield a juicy, flavorful burger, but remember that turkey can sometimes be drier. You might want to add more oil or moisture (like yogurt or grated vegetables) to keep the patties tender.- Can I prepare the chicken patties in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This can save you time on busy days and also helps the flavors meld together. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly when you’re ready to serve. - Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can still enjoy this burger without a grill. Cook the patties in a skillet or grill pan on medium heat, flipping them until cooked. For the grilled chicken breast, you can cook it in a skillet or oven for the same great results. - What are some healthy toppings I can add to my burger?
To keep your burger healthy, try topping it with fresh veggies like spinach, arugula, or sliced cucumber. Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, while pickled onions or jalapeños can give your burger a zesty kick without adding extra calories.
Chicken Burger Grilled
Equipment
- Skillet
- grill
- mixing bowl
- instant-read thermometer
- sandwich skewer
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 4 cups ground chicken or boneless chicken breast
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 medium carrots finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
- 1 tomato seeded and chopped
- Seasoning & Binding
- 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toppings & Final Touches
- 1 avocado mashed
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup pickled red onion
- 4 leaves leafy green lettuce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chilli sauce
- 4 hamburger buns or POM brioche hamburger buns
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika, or Italian spices
Instructions
- Preparing the Vegetables
- Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent, then add garlic to release a fragrant aroma.
- Add the carrots, bell pepper, tomato, and mushrooms, and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat your outdoor grill and lightly grease the grates with oil.
- Preparing the Patties
- Mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, seafood seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Form the mixture into patties and set them aside.
- Grill the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the meat is no longer pink and the juices clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Preparing the Chicken
- Coat chicken breast halves with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side until it is cooked through and the cheese melts.
- Final Steps and Assembly
- Lightly toast your buns on the grill while the chicken is cooking.
- Prepare toppings by caramelizing onions until soft and golden, and marinate the chicken if needed.
- Place lettuce leaves and tomato slices on the bottom bun to assemble the burger, followed by the grilled chicken with melted cheese.
- Top with caramelized onions and a dollop of mayonnaise, ketchup, or chili sauce.
- Cover with the top bun and secure it with a sandwich skewer.
Notes
The grilled flavor from the chicken and seasoning, paired with customizable toppings like avocado, cheese, and caramelized onions, creates a unique and satisfying burger experience.
Mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings like seafood seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the perfect patty. Grill until juicy and tender.
For an indulgent yet healthy meal, top your burger with fresh ingredients, including lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and a dollop of mayonnaise or special sauce.
Pair your grilled chicken burger with sides such as fries, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Grilled Chicken Salad, and enhance the flavors with Garlic Aioli or Toum.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
Calories: 2539Fat: 15 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Protein: 40 grams
Sodium: 800 mg
