Meet your new obsession: the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness! Imagine juicy, flavor-packed chicken patties smashed on a hot skillet, oozing with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and all the saucy toppings you crave. Every bite is a harmony of spicy, smoky, creamy, and cheesy delights—making this burger the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double Patties, Double Indulgence: Each Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness stacks up two juicy chicken patties per sandwich, giving you an ultra-satisfying bite every single time.
- Cheese That Melts Just Right: Thick slices of cheddar become gooey and decadent, wrapping the seasoned patties in irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Smoky Bacon & Spicy Kicks: Crisp bacon and a touch of Cajun and sriracha bring smoky warmth and spicy excitement that wake up your taste buds.
- Seriously Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can have these glorious burgers ready in under 30 minutes, without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good news: the secrets to a swoon-worthy Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness are all in a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Every addition brings its own magic—from juicy, seasoned chicken to crunchy veggies and that all-important layer of cheese!
- Ground chicken: The star of the show! Opt for ground dark meat for the juiciest, most flavorful patties.
- Egg: Binds everything together, making the patties moist and preventing them from falling apart.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps lock in all that savory chicken moisture.
- Red bell pepper, finely diced: Pops of sweetness and color that make these burgers as pretty as they are delicious.
- Green onion, diced: Adds mild oniony bite and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the mix.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the patties with a deep, smoky aroma—key to their signature taste.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings just the right hint of spice and zest; dial up or down to taste!
- Sea salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that pull all the flavors together.
- Garlic, minced: Nothing beats the warm, punchy flavor of freshly chopped garlic.
- Avocado oil (or any neutral oil): For skillet-searing that golden, crispy burger crust.
- Cheddar cheese, sliced: Melts perfectly over hot patties for that dreamy cheesy finish.
- Bacon strips, cooked and halved: Adds irresistible crunch and a salty, smoky hit.
- Brioche buns, toasted: Buttery, fluffy buns elevate every bite of the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness.
- Mayo: The creamy base for your burger sauces.
- Sriracha: For building addictive spicy layers in every mouthful.
- Red onion, sliced: Fresh crunch and sharpness for instant burger balance.
Variations
Half the fun of smash burgers is making them your own! Whether you need a lighter twist, crave even bolder flavors, or want to accommodate everyone at your table, the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness is a breeze to customize.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and use your favorite gluten-free buns.
- Make it Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mix, or double up on the sriracha for serious heat seekers.
- Lighter Touch: Lighten it up with turkey or extra-lean chicken, or skip the bacon for a leaner option (though you’ll miss that smoky crunch!).
- Swap the Cheese: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda to totally change the cheesy profile of your burger.
How to Make Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness
Step 1: Make the Chicken Patty Mixture
Start by combining your ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, diced red bell pepper, green onion, smoked paprika, cajun spice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it, or your patties may get tough!
Step 2: Shape and Smash the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and roll each into a ball. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chicken balls. Use a spatula (or even a sturdy jar lid) to smash each ball flat into a patty shape. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until browned and set on the bottom.
Step 3: Flip and Top with Cheese
Flip each patty with a spatula, top with a generous slice of cheddar, then quickly cover your skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt and the patties cook through for another 3–4 minutes. That lid trick is the secret to melty, gooey cheesy goodness in every Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness!
Step 4: Build Your Burger
While your patties rest for a moment, toast your brioche buns until golden. Spread each side with plenty of mayo and sriracha. Layer two cheesy chicken patties onto each bun bottom, then finish with crisp bacon, fresh red onion slices, and crown with the bun top. Repeat for the next burger—and get ready for burger nirvana!
Pro Tips for Making Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness
- Oil the Spatula: Lightly oil your spatula or press before smashing to prevent the chicken from sticking, making perfect, crisp-edged patties every time.
- Use a Lid for Cheese Magic: Cover your skillet just after adding the cheddar to lock in steam and guarantee melty, irresistibly gooey cheese.
- Don’t Skimp on Bun Toasting: Toast those brioche buns until golden—this little extra step makes your Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness feel ultra gourmet.
- Go Fresh with Veggies: Add red onion and bell pepper fresh just before serving for maximum zing, crunch, and color.
How to Serve Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness
Garnishes
To really show off your Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, extra sliced green onion, or even a few pickled jalapeños on top for a pop of color and fresh contrast. A toothpick speared with a mini pickle on top brings instant diner vibes!
Side Dishes
This burger begs for a sidekick! Crispy sweet potato fries or classic shoestring fries are a natural pairing. For a lighter meal, serve with a zippy coleslaw or a fresh mixed greens salad to refresh the palette between bites of cheesy, bacon-laced chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your next cookout into a “build your own Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness” bar—set out all the toppings and let everyone assemble their perfect burger. Or, serve sliders for a party twist, using mini buns and smaller portions of the patties. Individual wrapping in parchment adds a fun, street-food feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra patties (lucky you!), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and toppings separate—assemble fresh for the best texture and taste when you’re ready to enjoy Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness again.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooked and cooled chicken patty in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently before building your burger. Hold off on freezing buns, fresh veggies, and sauces—these are best added fresh for ultimate quality.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side—or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Add a fresh slice of cheese while they’re hot to restore that signature cheesy goodness!
FAQs
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute, and you can follow the exact same method. Just watch the doneness, as turkey may cook a tiny bit faster and can go dry if overcooked.
-
How do I keep the patties from sticking when smashing?
The trick is to lightly oil your spatula or use a small piece of parchment paper between the spatula and patty before pressing down. This prevents sticking and helps create those lovely crispy edges!
-
Can I grill the patties instead of pan-cooking?
Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high and use a flat griddle or pan on the grates for the smash technique. Smash directly onto the hot surface; just be gentle, as ground chicken is softer than beef.
-
What’s the best way to meal prep these burgers?
Form and cook the chicken patties ahead of time, then reheat as needed for a super-quick dinner. Store all toppings and buns separately (and slice veggies fresh) for that signature Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness experience at a moment’s notice!
Final Thoughts
If burger night needs a revamp, don’t hesitate—give the Smash Chicken Burger with Cheesy Goodness a starring role at your table. I promise, one bite into that juicy chicken, molten cheddar, and perfectly toasted brioche, and you’ll be hooked. Let this recipe bring a little extra happiness (and a lot more cheese) into your week!
Print
Smash Chicken Burger Deluxe Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 double patty burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Smash Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a delicious meal. Made with ground chicken seasoned to perfection and topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty sriracha mayo, these burgers are a must-try!
Ingredients
Chicken Patty
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon cajun
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of your choice, more if needed
Chicken Burger
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 strips bacon cooked and cut in half making 4 pieces
- 2 buns we love using brioche buns, toasted
- mayo
- sriracha
- red onion sliced
Instructions
- Chicken Patty: In a mixing bowl, combine all of the chicken patty ingredients, give it a good mix. Divide the meat mixture into 4 patties, and roll them into a ball.
- How to Make a Chicken Burger with Ground Chicken: Preheat avocado oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add 4 patty balls and smash them with a spatula, cook for 4-5 minutes, flip on the other side. Add cheese and cover the skillet with a lid, cook for 3-4 minutes. While patties are cooking, drizzle mayo and sriracha sauce on the buns and spread it with a butter knife, add 2 cheesy patties, followed by red onion and crispy bacon, cover with the second bun. Repeat with the second burger. Enjoy!
Notes
- Hi! All content & images are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or simply link back to this post for the recipe. Thank you.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 double patty burger
- Calories: 899 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2095mg
- Fat: 51g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 61g
- Cholesterol: 325mg
