These Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are juicy and packed with yummy flavors. The cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning make each bite a tasty treat!
Grilling these burgers is a breeze! I love how quick they come together. They’re perfect for a picnic, and hey, who doesn’t like burgers? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of your burgers. If you’re looking for a different flavor or want to reduce fat, you may try using ground turkey. It works well and keeps the dish light.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you want something lighter, reduced-fat cheese can be a good alternative, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This gives a wonderful herb flavor. For a homemade option, mix equal parts of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re out of the packet.
Bacon: I love crispy bacon for added crunch, but turkey bacon or even a veggie bacon substitute can keep it lighter or cater to dietary needs.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but you can use panko for extra crunch or swap them out for almond flour if you want a gluten-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken burgers can sometimes be tricky. You want them cooked through while still juicy. Here’s how:
- Use a skillet or grill over medium heat. Make sure it’s preheated so the burgers start cooking right away.
- Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If you’re unsure, cut one in half to check—no pink should be visible.
Remember, the patties will continue to cook a bit after you take them off the heat, so don’t stress too much!
How to Make Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for serving)
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious chicken burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Burger Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the flavors start to come together!
2. Forming the Patties:
Once your mixture is all mixed, divide it into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a patty. Make sure they are nicely rounded but not too thick so they cook evenly.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Preheat your skillet or grill over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the skillet and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked inside.
4. Adding the Bacon:
During the last minute of cooking, lay two slices of bacon on each chicken patty. This will warm the bacon and make it deliciously crispy.
5. Toasting the Buns:
While your burgers are finishing up, toast the burger buns on the skillet until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
6. Assembling Your Burgers:
To put everything together, spread some ranch dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Place a chicken patty with the bacon on top, then add the top half of the bun to complete your burger.
7. Garnishing:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a tasty garnish before serving. This adds a bit of color and flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still work well with the other ingredients. Just ensure it’s lean to keep the burgers from becoming too greasy.
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you want to add a kick to your burgers, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the burger mixture. You can also serve with a spicy ranch dressing for an extra heat boost!
What Should I Do If My Patties Are Falling Apart?
If your patties are crumbling, try adding a bit more breadcrumbs or an extra egg to help bind the mixture together. Additionally, make sure you’re not overmixing the meat as that can also cause them to be too loose!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or microwave them for about 30 seconds until heated through. If you store uncooked patties, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper in the freezer!
