I still remember the first time I craved a burger that wasn’t dripping with grease but still had that deep smoky flavor and juicy bite. That’s when I created this BBQ ground chicken burger recipe, and it’s become a staple at my family’s weekend cookouts ever since.
Back then, my problem was simple: I wanted a burger that felt lighter but didn’t compromise on flavor. Store-bought options were bland, and my first attempt turned out dry. But after a few tries (and a couple of BBQ sauce splatters later), I landed on the perfect combination. This BBQ ground chicken burger recipe delivers everything you love about a classic burger but with a flavorful twist and leaner ingredients.
Table of contents
What Makes This BBQ Chicken Burger So Good?
The secret to this BBQ ground chicken burger recipe lies in moisture, balance, and char. Ground chicken tends to be lean, so we add finely chopped onions and a touch of BBQ sauce directly into the mix to boost moisture and flavor. A quick pan-sear or grill locks in the juices while giving the patties that beautiful golden crust.
The flavor? Smoky, slightly sweet, and boldly seasoned, exactly what a summer burger should be. Whether you serve it on a toasted brioche bun with tangy slaw or keep it simple with pickles and lettuce, this burger never disappoints.
Customization Ideas:
- Swap BBQ sauce for chipotle mayo if you want more heat.
- Add shredded cheese into the patty mix for extra richness.
- Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Top with grilled pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.
Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
- You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge, separated by parchment paper.
- Chop your onions and garlic ahead and keep them sealed in an airtight container.
- If using homemade BBQ sauce, prepare it up to 3 days in advance.
Recipe Card
BBQ Ground Chicken Burger Recipe
4
servings10
minutes12
minutes320
kcalThis BBQ ground chicken burger is juicy, flavorful, and smoky with a tender bite. A healthier take on your favorite summer classic.
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Ingredients
1 lb 1 ground chicken (93% lean)
1/4 cup 1/4 finely chopped onion
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
2 tbsp 2 BBQ sauce (plus more for brushing)
1 tsp 1 smoked paprika
1/2 tsp 1/2 salt
1/4 tsp 1/4 black pepper
1 tbsp 1 olive oil
4 4 burger buns
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, slaw
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Form into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush extra BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Toast buns, assemble burgers with desired toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can freeze raw patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Don’t skip toasting the buns, it adds a delicious texture.
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Pro Tips for a Perfect BBQ Ground Chicken Burger
- Use 93% lean ground chicken for a balance of moisture and structure.
- Don’t overmix the meat, or the patties will be tough.
- Indent the center of each patty slightly with your thumb to prevent puffing up.
- Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling for more flavor.
- Rest the patties for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer: internal temp should hit 165°F.
Variations of BBQ Ground Chicken Burger Recipe to Try
Spicy BBQ Chicken Burger
If you love heat, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or top the cooked patties with sliced pepper jack cheese and hot sauce. The kick balances beautifully with the sweet smokiness of the BBQ base.
Cheesy-Stuffed BBQ Chicken Burgers
For a fun twist, press a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the center of each patty before cooking. When you bite in, the melted cheese adds a gooey, satisfying surprise. Be sure to seal the patties well around the cheese to keep it from leaking.
Low-Carb or Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers
If you’re watching your carbs, skip the bun entirely and wrap your burger in crisp romaine or butter lettuce. You can also serve it as a burger bowl with grilled veggies, avocado, and slaw on the side.
Hawaiian-Style BBQ Chicken Burger
Top your burger with a grilled pineapple slice and a touch of teriyaki sauce for a tropical vibe. Add red onion and a leaf of butter lettuce to complete the combo. It’s sweet, smoky, and absolutely addictive.
FAQs About BBQ Ground Chicken Burgers
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute with similar cook times.
Avoid overmixing, and make sure the mixture is slightly tacky. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Not this one. The onions and BBQ sauce keep it juicy. Just don’t overcook past 165°F.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ ground chicken burger recipe has become one of my go-to meals for everything from casual backyard cookouts to weeknight dinners when I want something easy and crowd-pleasing. It’s packed with flavor, healthier than most takeout burgers, and totally customizable based on what’s in your fridge.
Whether you’re grilling on a sunny weekend, meal prepping for busy evenings, or just trying to switch things up from beef, this recipe hits all the marks. Juicy, smoky, and layered with just the right seasoning, it’s the kind of burger that makes you crave seconds before you’ve even finished your first bite.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, especially if you put your own spin on it. Did you add cheese? Spice it up? Try the Hawaiian version?
Have you tried it yet? Let me know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this, don’t miss my Avocado Crema for Tacos or Buffalo Ground Chicken Burger, perfect sides for burger night.
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