Chicken burgers have become an increasingly popular menu item in recent years. But what exactly are these sandwiches made of? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients that go into chicken burgers and how they are prepared.
The Chicken Patty
The key component of a chicken burger is the chicken patty or fillet. This is typically made from ground or minced chicken meat, rather than a whole chicken breast or other cut of meat.
Ground chicken can come from various parts of the bird. This may include breast meat, thighs, or a combination of cuts. Using ground chicken allows the meat to be shaped into a patty that can be cooked evenly throughout.
Seasonings and Flavors
Chicken patties are seasoned to add flavor to the relatively mild ground chicken. Common seasonings used include:
- Salt and pepper
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, etc.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, sage, rosemary, etc.
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor
- Lemon juice or zest for brightness
There is no set mix of herbs and spices that goes well with chicken burgers; the taste is up to the recipe. Other flavorings like cheese bacon salsa, etc. may also be mixed into the raw patty.
Binders and Fillers
To help hold the patties together, chicken burger mixtures usually contain a binder ingredient. Typical binders are:
- Breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
- Crackers
- Oats or other grains
- Eggs
These starchy ingredients soak up moisture and bind the proteins in the chicken for a cohesive texture. In some cases, fillers like soy protein may also be used. Fillers bulk up the protein content inexpensively.
Breading or Batter
A standard breading method is used for chicken burgers that are breaded and fried. It is dredged in flour, dipped in egg wash, and then covered in breadcrumbs.
Panko or finer crumbs help form a crispy coating on the exterior. For a crunchier crust, the patty may be double-breaded.
Battered chicken burgers are dipped in a thin tempura-like batter before frying. The batter creates a delicately crispy shell around the patty.
Frying, Grilling, or Baking
Fried chicken burgers are the most common preparation. When the patties are deep-fried over high heat, the outside gets crispy and the inside stays juicy. But chicken burgers can also be:
- Grilled for a charred, smoky flavor
- Baked in the oven for a lower-fat option
Proper cooking is vital to ensure the interior of the patty reaches safe temperatures. Ground chicken should be cooked to 165°F minimum.
The Bun
Like a beef hamburger, chicken burgers are served between two halves of a bun. Buns provide texture contrast to the crispy fried patty.
- Brioche or potato buns are common choices. They offer softness to cushion the chicken.
- Pretzel buns add crunch and chew.
- Wheat or multigrain buns provide fiber and nutrients.
The bun also soaks up any sauces or juices from the chicken patty, preventing mess. Toasting the inside of the bun helps prevent it from getting soggy.
Toppings and Condiments
Chicken burgers allow for creative topping combinations beyond traditional burger fixings. Typical toppings include:
- Lettuce – Romaine, iceberg, etc. for crunch
- Tomato slices
- Raw onion or grilled onions
- Dill pickles
- Cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack
- Bacon
- Avocado
- Fried egg
Condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce are commonly spread on the bun. The sauce adds moisture and brings all the components together.
Premium Ingredients
Some higher-end chicken burgers use premium ingredients to increase flavor. These may include:
- Fresh, not frozen, ground chicken thigh meat with richer flavor and moisture.
- Artisanal buns like pretzel, brioche, or ciabatta.
- Unique cheeses like gouda, bleu, or goat cheese.
- Thick-cut artisanal bacon.
- Organic vegetables and greens.
- Housemade aioli or herb mayo instead of regular condiments.
While premium ingredients elevate the flavors, the basics of a chicken burger remain the same.
How to make Chicken burger (Stepwise Photos)
1. Add ¼ cup plain yogurt to a large pot. Add ¾ to 1 cup water. Whisk it well. Add half tsp salt.
2. Add any spice powders or herbs you like. This is only for flavoring and is optional. I prefer to use ¼ tsp all spice. You can even just add half tsp ground black pepper.
3. If the chicken breasts are too thick you may slice them. Add them to the brining liquid and cover. Rest for a minimum of 4 hours to overnight in the refrigerator. This helps to keep the fried chicken juicy and tender. I would not suggest skipping these steps unless you use a meat tenderizer.
4. Add flour to a wide plate along with very little salt and chili flakes or red chili powder. Mix together and set aside. You can also add your favorite seasonings now.
5. Break egg to another wide bowl. Add 2 tbsp. water. Beat it well until frothy.
Fry the Chicken Patties
6. Drain the liquid from the chicken completely. Place a breast in the flour and coat it well on both the sides. Alternately you can spread all of them at one time in a wide plate. Coat well with the flour.
7. Dip it in the beaten egg.
8. Place it on the bread crumbs. Roll it well.
9. Place it in a plate. Repeat this process for all the breasts. Set aside for 5 mins. For one of the patties i added extra spice powders to bread crumbs.
10. Heat oil in a pan on a medium high flame. When the oil is hot enough, deep fry them on both sides turning as needed. Do not fry on a high flame else the patty will turn brown while the meat remains uncooked. Also frying on a low flame will make them hard and chewy. I fried 2 in one batch.
11. Transfer them to a cooling rack or kitchen tissue.
12. Slice the burger buns. Toast them. Place the patty over the bun.
13. Place the lettuce, tomatoes and onions (optional)
14. Add mayonnaise or hung curd to a bowl. Add mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk together with little olive oil. You can also add ketchup if you like.
15. Add that over the tomatoes. Place the other half of the bun/dinner roll. Enjoy chicken burger with a cup of hot tea and French Fries.
Hope you will love this chicken burger recipe as much as we do.
Related Recipes
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
Process of Making a Chicken Burger
FAQ
What does a chicken burger contain?
Ground chicken: This recipe starts with a pound of extra-lean ground chicken. Bread crumbs: Use store-bought bread crumbs or make your own at home. Onion: Half an onion lends texture and flavor. Egg: An egg adds moisture and helps bind the chicken patties together.
What are chicken patties made out of?
What are chicken patties made of? If you buy frozen chicken patties (don’t judge), they might have ground chicken, flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in them. Most of those ingredients are incorporated into this version, with some new special players.
Are chicken burgers healthy?
Chicken burgers can be a healthy option, particularly when made with lean chicken breast and prepared in a healthy way (like grilling instead of frying). When compared to beef burgers, they usually have fewer calories and less saturated fat. They are also a good source of protein.
Are chicken burgers real burgers?
Comments Section It’s not a burger. It’s a chicken sandwich. It’s pretty common to call something a “chicken burger” in Canada, as long as it’s on a burger bun. Of course it’s still wrong, as a burger involves ground meat formed into a patty. Although.