Where To Get The Best Turkey Burgers: Top Restaurant Chains Ranked

Turkey burgers are having a major moment. With more people looking to cut back on red meat for health or sustainability reasons, lean and flavorful ground turkey has become a favorite burger base. But not all turkey burgers are created equal The key is finding ones that are juicy and packed with flavor Here’s your guide to the best turkey burger options at popular restaurant chains.

Why Choose Turkey Burgers?

Turkey burgers have several advantages over beef:

• Lower in fat and calories – Ground turkey is 90-93% lean versus 80/20 beef. Less saturated fat benefits heart health.

• High in protein – Turkey provides about 25g protein per 4oz patty. Helps build muscle and feel full.

• Versatile flavor – Turkey takes on spices well for endless flavor combos Pairs with global ingredients

• Better for the planet – Gobbling up less red meat reduces environmental impact.

• Budget-friendly – Ground turkey costs 25-50% less per pound than ground beef.

Top Fast Food Turkey Burgers

Convenient fast food chains are stepping up their turkey burger game:

• Burger King – The BK Veggie and Ch’King sandwiches can be customized with a juicy flame-grilled turkey patty.

• Carl’s Jr. – Choose turkey instead of beef in most burgers. Crispy fried turkey patties are juicy.

• Jack in the Box -Their Buttery Turkey Burger comes grilled or crispy with savory garlic herb sauce.

• McDonald’s – Ask for a turkey patty with any McDonald’s sandwich. Simple but satisfying.

• Wendy’s – Build a better-for-you burger with Wendy’s grilled turkey patties. Try the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with turkey burger patty.

• Sonic Drive-In – Sonic’s handmade Sonoma Turkey Wrap loads turkey patty with avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato and ranch.

Best Turkey Burgers at Sit-Down Chains

Casual dining restaurants offer inventive turkey burger creations:

• Red Robin – Their fan favorite turkey burger is available in any burger combo. Try with garlic aioli and asiago cheese.

• Ruby Tuesday – Their savory turkey burger is dressed up with Swiss cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and giardiniera.

• Cheesecake Factory – A fresh turkey burger sits atop a wheat bun with sauteed mushrooms, melty fontina cheese, and marinated onions.

• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – BJ’s creates a tower with turkey burger, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato drizzled with red wine vinaigrette.

• Applebee’s – Their Southwest Turkey Burger delivers flavor punch from pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, spicy mustard and chipotle mayo.

• Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks – Grilled turkey burger served island style with grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze, lettuce, and tomato.

Regional Chains With Top Turkey Burgers

Check out these regional favorites for turkey burger excellence:

West Coast

• In-N-Out Burger – Protein style turkey burger wrapped in lettuce leaves is low carb.

• Fatburger – Juicy, flavorful patty made with 100% ground turkey.

East Coast

• Shake Shack – Their crispy turkey burger has cranberry relish and sage mayo.

• Elevation Burger – Get the organic, free-range turkey burger with avocado and pesto.

Midwest

• Culver’s – Butterfly a fresh turkey patty for an extra crispy and flavorful burger.

• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Their turkey burger is tasty with Swiss cheese and tangy coleslaw.

South

• Whataburger – Build your own with a junior turkey patty and free fixings like lettuce, tomato, and onion.

• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – Sink your teeth into their addicting turkey burger loaded with guacamole and bacon.

Best Turkey Burgers from Local Restaurants

Beyond the chains, many local restaurants and small chains also feature crave-worthy turkey burgers:

• Bareburger – Get the Avocado Turkey Burger with fresh guacamole, peppers, onions, baby kale, and goddess dressing.

• Eureka! – This West Coast chain offers a flavorful Fire Roasted Turkey Burger with pepper jack, jalapeños, and fire-roasted tomato aioli.

• Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Their juicy Good Night Mr. Turkey stacks turkey burger with a slew of tasty toppings.

• Slater’s 50/50 – Half ground beef, half ground turkey makes this burger at the California chain nice and juicy.

• The Counter – Their Build Your Own Turkey Burger Bar lets you fully customize with premium ingredients.

• Smashburger – Try the decadent Scorchin’ Hot Mac & Cheese Turkey Burger for indulgence.

Best Practices for Cooking Turkey Burgers

To keep turkey burgers from drying out, cook them properly:

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook to 165°F internal temperature. Prevents overcooking.

• Avoid lean blends – Choose 85% lean ground turkey for moisture. Avoid 99% lean.

• Don’t overwork the meat – Gently form patties. Don’t compress.

• Add binders – Egg white, panko breadcrumbs, or oil helps hold moisture.

• Use a hot pan or grill – Sear the patty quickly to trap in juices and enhance browning.

• Consider sous vide – Cooks turkey burgers evenly without drying out.

• Butter the bun – Slather bun with butter or mayo to prevent the burger from sticking and drying out.

Why Turkey Burgers Beat Beef Burgers

With so many fast food and restaurant chains offering flavorful, juicy options, turkey burgers are top contenders:

• Turkey provides more nutrition – Less fat and sodium than beef; good source of protein.

• Ground turkey costs less – Saves money versus pricier grass-fed beef.

• Complement global flavors – From Mexican to Mediterranean; takes on any cuisine.

• Environmentally sustainable – Reduces reliance on resource-heavy beef production.

• Turkey patties grill up crisp – Get that satisfying char without flare-ups from fat dripping.

• Versatility to mix and match – Stack turkey burgers sky-high with loads of tasty toppings.

So next time you get a burger craving, seek out one of these restaurant chains or local spots serving mouthwatering turkey burgers. Your taste buds and your body will thank you. Gobble, gobble!