Origins and Interesting Facts
The humble chicken burger has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Originating as a response to the increasing demand for lean protein options, chicken burgers have become a staple in many households and restaurants. Not only are they lower in fat, but they also offer a versatile canvas for various flavors and toppings. Baking these burgers instead of frying further reduces the calorie content, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Easy Baked Ground Chicken Burgers, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and your choice of toppings (e.g., cheese, pickles, onions)
- Condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own Easy Baked Ground Chicken Burgers:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken burgers.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
Step 3: Form the Patties
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Burgers
- Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
- Toast the hamburger buns in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the burger cooking time, or until golden brown.
- Place each chicken patty on the bottom half of a bun.
- Add your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and onions.
- Spread your favorite condiments on the top bun, then place it on the assembled burger.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the burgers hot with a side of baked sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- How do you keep ground chicken burgers from falling apart?: Add an egg and breadcrumbs to bind the mixture and prevent the burgers from falling apart.
- Do you have to flip chicken burgers?: You don’t need to flip them while baking, but if you prefer a more even browning, you can flip them halfway through the cooking time.
- How to make ground chicken juicy?: Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture.
Variations
- Ground Chicken Burgers in Air Fryer: You can also cook these patties in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Spicy Chicken Burgers: Add chopped jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Herbed Chicken Burgers: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here is the basic nutritional information per serving (one burger without toppings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
These values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. Adding toppings will alter the nutritional content as well.
These Easy Baked Ground Chicken Burgers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make for a perfect weeknight meal. Try these delicious chicken burgers today and discover a new favorite recipe for your family