Juicy Chicken Parmesan Burgers: Quick, Cheesy & Irresistible Weeknight Meal
Tired of the same old burger night? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these incredible **Chicken Parmesan Burgers**! Imagine the classic, beloved flavors of Chicken Parmesan – the rich marinara, the savory cheese, the tender chicken – all packed into a mouthwatering, juicy burger. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary fusion that brings comfort food to your table in a surprisingly quick and easy format.
Ready in a mere 25 minutes from start to finish, these Parm-Style Chicken Burgers are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They offer all the hearty satisfaction you crave without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a swift family dinner or an impressive dish for a casual gathering, these burgers deliver on both convenience and flavor, making them a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Often, chicken burgers get a bad rap for being dry or bland. But fear not! Our recipe for Chicken Parmesan Burgers defies expectations. The secret to their incredible juiciness and robust flavor lies in mixing grated onion and a generous amount of marinara sauce directly into the ground chicken patties. This not only infuses every bite with a rich, tomatoey goodness that echoes traditional Chicken Parmesan but also ensures a wonderfully moist texture that will keep you coming back for more. It’s comfort food reimagined, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing any of the indulgent taste.
The preparation is incredibly straightforward. After forming and cooking the flavorful patties, you’ll place them on soft hamburger buns, lavish them with more marinara and a blanket of mozzarella cheese, and then slide them under the broiler. Watching that cheese bubble and turn perfectly golden brown is almost as satisfying as the first bite. The quick broiling step locks in all the flavors and adds that irresistible melty, cheesy finish that defines Chicken Parmesan.
If you enjoy experimenting with your burger creations, you’ll be thrilled to discover other exciting variations. For those who love a smoky kick, these Chipotle Chicken Burgers are a must-try. Or, if you’re craving something with a festive, Mexican-inspired twist, our Chicken Taco Burgers offer a vibrant alternative. Just like this recipe, they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for adventurous eaters.
Why You’ll Adore These Chicken Parmesan Burgers
These aren’t just any chicken burgers; they are a delightful culinary experience crafted for convenience and flavor. Here’s why you’ll quickly fall in love with this recipe:
- Effortless Cooking: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for a delicious, home-cooked meal can be a challenge. These Chicken Parmesan Burgers are designed for busy weeknights, going from pantry to plate in just 25 minutes. This means less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying a gourmet-quality meal with your family.
- Incredibly Juicy & Bursting with Flavor: Forget dry, bland chicken burgers. Our secret blend of grated onion and marinara sauce mixed directly into the ground chicken ensures each patty remains incredibly moist and tender. This infusion of ingredients creates a deep, savory, and aromatic flavor profile that truly captures the essence of classic Chicken Parmesan, making every bite a delight.
- Healthier Comfort Food Option: Craving the rich, satisfying taste of traditional Chicken Parmesan but looking for a lighter alternative? This burger offers all the comforting flavors without the deep-fried guilt. Using lean ground chicken and baking (or pan-frying) rather than deep-frying makes this a more wholesome option that still fully satisfies your comfort food cravings.
- A Versatile Family Favorite: These burgers appeal to a wide range of palates, making them a fantastic family meal. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the familiar flavors in a fun, burger format. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different toppings or sides, allowing everyone to enjoy their meal exactly how they like it.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Parm Burgers
To create these delightful Chicken Parmesan Burgers, gather the following ingredients. For precise measurements, please scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Onion: Grated, to add moisture and a subtle sweet-savory base.
- Oregano: Fresh, for an authentic Italian aromatic touch.
- Garlic: Grated, providing robust flavor throughout the patty.
- Ground Chicken: The lean base for our flavorful burgers.
- Italian Style Bread Crumbs: Acts as a binder and adds texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Essential for that characteristic salty, umami kick.
- Marinara Sauce: Divides into the patty for moisture and on top for rich tomato flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a hint of warmth and spice.
- Cooking Spray: Crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
- Hamburger Buns: The perfect vessel for your juicy burger.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for the iconic melty, gooey topping.
- Basil: Fresh leaves, for a vibrant finish and aromatic freshness.
How To Craft Delicious Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Follow these simple steps to create juicy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan Burgers in no time:
- Preheat Your Broiler: Begin by setting your oven broiler to high heat. This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready to melt that cheese to perfection once your burgers are assembled.
- Combine the Patty Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, finely chopped fresh oregano, grated garlic, lean ground chicken, Italian-style bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, precisely half of your marinara sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. Don’t worry if the mixture feels a bit loose – this is key to the burger’s juiciness.
- Form the Burger Patties: Gently divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion carefully into evenly-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Because the mixture is moist, handle them with a light touch to maintain their form.
- Cook the Patties to Perfection: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Spray generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, as ground chicken is leaner than beef. Place the formed patties in the hot pan and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are thoroughly cooked through and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble and Broil for a Cheesy Finish: Arrange the bottom halves of your hamburger buns on a baking sheet. Carefully transfer a cooked chicken patty onto each bun. Spoon a tablespoon of the remaining marinara sauce over each patty, then generously sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve Hot: Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the burgers from the broiler. Immediately top each with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aromatic freshness, then place the top bun. Serve these warm, melty, and utterly delicious Chicken Parmesan Burgers right away to enjoy their maximum flavor and texture!
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Parm Burgers
Enhance your Chicken Parmesan Burger experience with these helpful tips and variations:
- Grate for Maximum Moisture and Flavor: When preparing your onion and garlic, grating them rather than simply chopping or mincing makes a significant difference. Grating releases more of their natural juices and aromatic oils, which not only integrates their flavor more thoroughly into the ground chicken but also contributes to the patty’s overall moisture, preventing it from drying out during cooking.
- Substitute Dried Herbs if Needed: If fresh oregano or basil isn’t available, you can certainly use dried herbs. A good rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor profile. For example, if the recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of fresh oregano, use 0.5 teaspoons of dried.
- Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: Non-stick cooking spray is your best friend when cooking ground chicken. Chicken is a very lean meat, and its patties tend to stick to the pan more readily than beef burgers. A generous spray ensures your patties cook evenly, develop a beautiful crust, and can be easily flipped without tearing or falling apart.
- Experiment with Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to get creative with your cheese choices! Provolone offers a sharper, tangier note, while smoked mozzarella can add a delightful depth and smoky aroma. A blend of Italian cheeses could also provide a richer, more complex flavor.
- Explore Different Bun Options: Standard hamburger buns are great, but for an elevated Italian flair and a sturdier base to hold these juicy burgers, consider alternatives like ciabatta rolls or even lightly toasted focaccia bread. The texture and flavor of these breads can perfectly complement the rich Italian flavors of the chicken parm patties.
- Achieve Perfect Patty Thickness: Aim for patties that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. This ensures they cook through without drying out, and creates a satisfying burger texture. You can also make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up in the middle during cooking.
- Check for Doneness: The safest way to ensure chicken burgers are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the patty; it should read 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety while keeping your burgers moist.
Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The lean nature of ground turkey will still yield a deliciously juicy burger with all the traditional flavors of Chicken Parmesan. Ensure you cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), just like ground chicken.
Several factors help keep your chicken burgers intact. First, ensure your mixture is adequately moist and well-combined, as the breadcrumbs act as a binder. When forming, press the patties firmly but gently. Using a non-stick cooking spray and a quality non-stick pan or grill greatly reduces the chance of sticking and tearing when flipping. Avoid overworking the meat, which can make it tough, but ensure it’s mixed enough to hold together.
Yes, these burgers are perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the burger patties in advance and store them, uncooked, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to cook, simply proceed with the cooking instructions. This makes busy weeknight dinners even quicker!
Yes, you absolutely can grill these burgers! Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Cook over medium-high heat, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For the cheese melting step, you can either transfer them to a baking sheet under the broiler or, if your grill has a lid, melt the cheese on the grill by closing the lid for a minute or two after adding the marinara and mozzarella.
To complement the Italian flavors of these burgers, classic sides like crispy Air Fryer French Fries or unique Grilled Potato Packs are always a hit. For a lighter, more Italian-inspired spread, consider a fresh Tomato Mozzarella Salad with balsamic glaze, a vibrant Caesar Salad, or simple Grilled Zucchini. A fresh green salad is also always a good choice!
Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Elevate your Chicken Parmesan Burger experience with these delicious serving suggestions, whether you’re aiming for a classic burger night feel or leaning into the Italian theme.
For a traditional burger night, consider serving these flavorful patties with beloved classics such as savory Grilled Potato Packs, offering a smoky, tender potato side, or perfectly crisp Air Fryer French Fries for that irresistible crunch. If you’re looking for lighter, fresh options, some tender Grilled Zucchini or a simple, vibrant Green Side Salad would beautifully balance the richness of the burgers.
To fully embrace the Italian essence of these chicken burgers, pair them with complementary Italian-inspired sides. A crisp and zesty Caesar Salad adds a refreshing crunch and tangy dressing, while a colorful Tomato Mozzarella Salad with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a burst of fresh flavors that perfectly echo the burger’s toppings. Any of these pairings will create a complete and unforgettable meal.
Parm Style Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Cooking spray
- 4 hamburger buns
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, ,shredded
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler to high.
- In a bowl mix together grated onion, oregano, garlic, chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheeese, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well. The mixture will be fairly loose and wet. Form into 4 patties.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan to medium high heat. Spray with non-stock spray. Add chicken burgers to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Arrange the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet. Place 1 chicken burger onto each patty. Top with 1 Tablespoon of the remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Place under broiler for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Top with fresh basil and top bun to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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