Chicken Parmesan Burgers

If you’re craving the perfect blend of classic Italian flavors and a hearty handheld meal, Chicken Parmesan Burgers are the answer. These burgers take everything you love about chicken parmesan – juicy chicken, marinara, melty cheese, and fresh herbs – and transform it into a delicious sandwich that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Burgers

These burgers combine juicy chicken patties with the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional chicken parmesan. Instead of breading and frying chicken, you’ll use ground chicken mixed with Parmesan, herbs, and breadcrumbs for extra flavor. The patties are then topped with marinara sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella before being broiled to perfection. Finished with garlic-buttered brioche buns and fresh basil, every bite is a perfect balance of savory and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic butter or regular butter
• 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns
• Fresh basil leaves and tomato slices (optional)

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Let cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Mix until just combined, then form into four ½-inch thick patties.
3. Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Warm marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Set the oven to broil on high. Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara over each patty, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Spread garlic butter on the brioche buns and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and toasted.
7. Assemble the burgers by placing each chicken patty on a bun. Add tomato slices and basil leaves if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve Chicken Parmesan Burgers hot and fresh right off the skillet or broiler. Pair them with garlic fries, roasted vegetables, a crisp Caesar salad, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter side.
• Storing Leftovers: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat patties in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the patties rubbery.
• Freezing: You can freeze raw or cooked patties. Wrap individually and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
• Meal Prep Tip: Prepare patties ahead of time and keep refrigerated until ready to cook for quick weeknight dinners.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Burgers: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a kick of heat.
• Caprese Style Burgers: Layer the cooked patty with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
• Pesto Chicken Parmesan Burgers: Spread basil pesto on the bun instead of garlic butter for an herby twist.
• Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for gooey, melty layers of flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve patties over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a fresh salad.
• Crispy Breaded Burger: Coat the patties in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying for a crunchier texture.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese to the chicken mixture, and top with tzatziki sauce instead of marinara.
• BBQ Chicken Parmesan Burger: Swap marinara for tangy barbecue sauce and top with cheddar instead of mozzarella for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace ground chicken with chickpeas or lentils mixed with breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a hearty meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Burger: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patty mixture and serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well, but aim for lean turkey for the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I bake these burgers instead of frying?
Yes, bake patties at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F internally.

3. What if I don’t have brioche buns?
Regular hamburger buns, ciabatta rolls, or potato buns are excellent substitutes.

4. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, shape the patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

5. What sides pair best with these burgers?
Try garlic fries, a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even pasta salad for a full meal.

6. Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Absolutely, a good quality store-bought marinara works perfectly for convenience.

7. How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Don’t overmix the meat, and make sure the onion-garlic mixture has cooled before adding it.

8. Can I grill the patties?
Yes, grill them over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, until they reach 165°F.

9. Can I freeze cooked patties?
Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to keep them juicy.

10. What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack are all delicious options that melt beautifully.

Chicken Parmesan Burgers are a delicious twist on two classics: burgers and chicken parmesan. Juicy, cheesy, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, these burgers are perfect for dinner any night of the week. With simple pantry ingredients, versatile variations, and easy cooking steps, this recipe is a keeper for families who love bold, satisfying meals.

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