These Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a tasty twist on traditional burgers! Juicy chicken is mixed with melted cheddar and ranch dressing for a fun flavor.
Cooking these burgers is quick and easy, making weeknight dinners a breeze. I love adding my favorite toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. Yummy and satisfying! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein. If you prefer, turkey or lean beef can be good substitutes. Ground chicken tends to be juicier, but feel free to switch it up depending on your taste.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want to mix it up, try using pepper jack for a kick or a milder cheese like Monterey Jack for a creamier taste.
Ranch Dressing: This ingredient adds great flavor to the burgers. If you don’t have ranch on hand, you can mix equal parts Greek yogurt and sour cream with some herbs and spices as a quick substitute.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the burgers together. You can easily swap breadcrumbs for crushed saltines or even oatmeal if you want a healthier option.
Bacon: While optional, it adds a nice crunch! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative, or you could skip it for a lighter burger.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Stay Juicy?
Keeping chicken burgers juicy can be a challenge since chicken tends to dry out. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t overmix the ingredients. Just mix until combined to keep the patties tender.
- Cooking on medium heat allows the patties to brown without drying out. Keep an eye on them as they cook.
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure they reach 165°F without overcooking.
- Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle.
Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- Extra ranch dressing for serving
- Fresh lettuce and tomato slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 25-30 minutes to make these tasty chicken burgers. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Grab a fork or your hands and mix everything together until well combined. It should be sticky but hold together.
2. Forming the Patties:
Once the mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it into a patty shape. Try to make them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate!
3. Cooking the Patties:
Now it’s time to cook! Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium heat. If you’re using a skillet, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little drizzle of oil. Place the patties in the skillet or on the grill. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, toast your hamburger buns until they are golden and warm. You can do this in a toaster or on a separate pan. It adds a nice crunch!
5. Assembling the Burgers:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your burgers! Start by placing a golden chicken patty on the bottom half of each bun. If you’re using bacon, add a slice on top. Drizzle some extra ranch dressing over the patty and add any fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato slices that you like.
6. Serving:
Finally, place the top half of the bun on each burger and serve them immediately. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping if you’d like!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield delicious results. Just be sure to check the fat content; using lean turkey may result in slightly drier burgers, so adding a touch more ranch dressing can help keep them moist.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Burgers?
You can store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave for a quick meal. Adding a little additional ranch dressing can help rejuvenate the flavor!
Can I Make These Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can form the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to freeze them, place parchment paper between each patty in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Burgers?
While a skillet or grill is great, you can also bake these burgers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method requires less monitoring and can give you a nice even cook without the need for flipping!
