If you are looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers, look no further than these Easy Baked Ground Chicken Burgers. This recipe is perfect for those who love a juicy, flavorful burger but want to cut back on red meat. Baked to perfection, these chicken burgers are both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the best chicken burgers at home.
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