Chicken Burgers with Zesty Sauce
Chicken Burgers with Zesty Sauce offer a juicy and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, combining moist chicken patties seasoned with fresh herbs and spices with a tangy, creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this versatile recipe can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked and customized to suit your taste preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)
For the Chicken Patties
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Zesty Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 4 burger buns (soft and sturdy, gluten-free if needed)
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped parsley and cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are just combined. Form the mixture into evenly sized patties about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
- Prepare the Zesty Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred heat level. Refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors meld while cooking the patties.
- Cook the Chicken Burgers: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: Lightly toast the burger buns to add crunch and warmth. Spread a generous layer of the zesty sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer the chicken patty, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion rings inside each bun. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Make all patties the same size for even cooking and consistent results.
- Let patties rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in moisture.
- Adjust hot sauce and smoked paprika to your preferred spice level without overpowering other flavors.
- Use fresh, soft burger buns to prevent sogginess and hold the burger well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken burgers, zesty sauce, quick dinner, family meal, gluten-free, easy chicken burger, juicy chicken patties, homemade burger sauce