Name: Juicy Ground Chicken Smash Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (85% lean/15% fat recommended); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 slices yellow American cheese; 4 brioche burger buns; 1/4 cup mayonnaise or light mayonnaise (optional); Shredded iceberg lettuce; Tomato slices; Pickles; Burger sauce; Neutral oil (canola or vegetable), a small amount for pan

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Introduction

Juicy Ground Chicken Smash Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger, featuring tender chicken patties with crispy edges and melted American cheese. Easy to make at home, these burgers combine simple ingredients for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a grilled chicken sandwich with four main layers. The bottom layer is a soft, light brown toasted bun with a spread of creamy white sauce. Above that is a thick, juicy, and well-seasoned grilled chicken patty with a slightly charred texture. On top of the chicken patty, there is a layer of melted yellow cheese that drapes slightly over the edges. Above the cheese, there are fresh slices of red tomato and a generous pile of shredded green lettuce. The sandwich is crowned with a smooth, shiny, light brown toasted top bun. In the background, three more similar sandwiches are visible but blurred, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
Salt
Pepper
4 slices yellow American cheese
4 brioche burger buns
1/4 cup mayo or light mayo (optional)
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickles
Burger sauce*

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, lightly season 1 pound of ground chicken with salt and pepper. Gently mix with your hands, being careful not to overwork the chicken. Divide into four equal portions and gently roll each into a loose ball.
Step 2: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tiny bit of neutral oil if needed. Place the chicken balls into the hot pan, leaving space between them. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom starts to brown. Firmly press each ball down with a spatula to flatten into a thin patty, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Step 3: Cook the smashed patties for another 2-3 minutes on the first side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip each patty and immediately place one slice of yellow American cheese on top. Cover the pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute to help the cheese melt.
Step 4: Continue to cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Toast the cut sides of the brioche burger buns. You can lightly butter them and toast in a separate pan, or toast them directly on the griddle for the last minute of the patties’ cooking time.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers: spread mayo (if using) on the bottom bun, top with shredded lettuce, a cheesy chicken patty, tomato slices, and pickles. Spread burger sauce on the top bun and place on top. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content (around 85% lean/15% fat) for more tender and flavorful patties. If using lean chicken, add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture.
Experiment with different toppings such as spicy sriracha mayo, pickled onion relish, or mushroom Swiss for a gourmet twist.
Be careful not to overwork the ground chicken when mixing to keep the patties juicy.
Toast buns to prevent sogginess and add a slight crisp texture.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave until warmed through. Assemble burgers fresh to maintain bun texture and burgers’ juiciness.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a chicken sandwich with a golden brown shiny top bun on the top layer. Below the bun, there is a layer of shredded green lettuce and thin red tomato slices. Under the vegetables, a slice of melted yellow cheese covers a seasoned, grilled chicken patty with a crispy brown texture. At the bottom, a spread of creamy white sauce is on the soft, toasted bottom bun. The sandwich is placed on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with more sandwiches blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prep the ground chicken mixture with seasonings a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. For best results, form and cook the patties just before serving to retain the signature crispy edges and juicy texture.

What kind of ground chicken should I use?

Ground chicken with about 85% lean and 15% fat gives the best flavor and tenderness. If you only have extra-lean chicken, adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil or melted butter helps keep the patties moist and flavorful.