Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe

Chicken burgers are an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a lighter alternative to beef patties, without sacrificing flavor or texture. This Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burger combines tender ground chicken, rich cheddar cheese, and the bold flavor of ranch seasoning for a burger that’s both juicy and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning for a summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

In this recipe, we will explore the perfect seasoning, methods for ensuring juicy patties, creative ways to serve the burgers, and more. Whether you are making them for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, these Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burgers are bound to please everyone’s taste buds.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Patties:

• Choosing the Chicken:
  • When making chicken burgers, it’s recommended to use ground chicken with some fat content (like dark meat chicken) for moisture and tenderness. Ground chicken breast can be leaner, but might make the burgers drier if not prepared carefully. If you’re using ground chicken breast, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit of mayonnaise to maintain the moisture.
  • You can also make your own ground chicken using a food processor if you want to control the texture.
• Mixing the Ingredients:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed but try not to overmix, as this can result in a tough patty.
• Seasoning the Mixture:
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want to experiment with different seasonings, you can add a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper (for heat), or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Feel free to adjust the ranch seasoning to your liking. Some ranch mixes are more herby, while others have more of a tangy kick.
• Forming the Patties:
  • Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions (or more if you’re making smaller sliders). Gently form each portion into a patty. To ensure the patties cook evenly, make them slightly thinner in the middle, as they will naturally puff up during cooking.
• Chill the Patties:
  • Before cooking, refrigerate the patties for about 15-30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together better while cooking. You can skip this step if you’re in a rush, but it can help with preventing the patties from falling apart during grilling or pan-frying.

2. Cooking the Patties:

• Grilling:
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little olive oil or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the patties on the grill, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can press down lightly on the patties with a spatula to get those beautiful grill marks.
  • Add the cheese during the last minute of grilling to allow it to melt on top of the patty. Cover the grill to help the cheese melt more quickly.
• Pan-Frying:
  • If you prefer cooking indoors, you can cook the patties in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the patties to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure the pan stays at medium heat to avoid burning the burgers.
  • You can also use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution. Add cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, covering the skillet to help the cheese melt.
• Baking (Optional):
  • If you want to make these burgers with less oil, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is great if you’re making a large batch.

3. Toasting the Buns:

• Toasting the buns helps them maintain structure and adds a nice crunch to complement the tender chicken patty. You can toast the buns on the grill while the patties cook, or simply butter the buns and toast them on a skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

4. Assembling the Burgers:

• Layering the Burger:
  • Start with the bottom bun and add a few leaves of lettuce. The crisp lettuce adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the juicy chicken patty.
  • Place the cooked Ranch Cheddar Chicken Patty on top of the lettuce. If you want, you can drizzle extra ranch dressing on the patty for more flavor.
  • Add tomato slices and pickles if desired, then top with the other half of the bun.
• Adding Optional Ingredients:
  • For an even richer flavor, add slices of avocado for a creamy touch or a couple of crispy bacon strips for extra crunch and smokiness.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve these Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burgers with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. The tanginess of ranch dressing pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese, and the fries add a nice crunch.
  • For a more indulgent treat, you can serve these burgers with onion rings on the side. The crispy, salty rings perfectly complement the juicy, cheesy chicken patties.
• Pairing Drinks:
  • Pair these burgers with a cold beer (especially a light lager or pale ale), or a refreshing iced tea. Lemonade is also a great beverage to enjoy with these savory burgers. If you’re serving them for a crowd, consider offering a variety of sodas or sparkling waters.

Tips and Variations:

1. Make Your Own Ranch Seasoning:

• If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own using the following:
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Simply mix all the ingredients together and use in place of the store-bought mix.

2. Add Extra Veggies:

• For a healthier twist, add finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the burger mixture. These veggies will provide extra nutrition and a new layer of flavor to your patties.

3. Experiment with Cheese:

• While cheddar cheese is delicious, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, pepper jack, or even blue cheese can provide unique flavor profiles that enhance the overall taste of the burger.

4. Chicken Burger Sliders:

• If you’re serving a crowd, consider making mini chicken patties and turning them into sliders. They’re perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Use mini buns and reduce the cooking time slightly for these smaller patties.

5. Lighter Version:

• To make this recipe even lighter, you can use whole-wheat buns, reduce the amount of cheese, or substitute the ranch dressing with a light version or Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.

6. Veggie or Gluten-Free Buns:

• If you’re making these for people with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free buns or veggie burger buns made from ingredients like cauliflower or quinoa for a healthier, low-carb option.

History of the Chicken Burger:

The concept of chicken burgers emerged as an alternative to traditional beef burgers, offering a leaner option for people looking to reduce red meat consumption or try something different. Chicken burgers have grown in popularity, especially in the 1990s and 2000s, as people sought healthier, lower-fat alternatives to beef.

The Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burger combines two American classics — the chicken burger and the famous ranch dressing — creating a flavor-packed, savory meal that has been embraced by many. Ranch dressing itself became popular in the 1950s and is a staple in American cuisine, often used as a dip, dressing, or seasoning.

Conclusion:

This Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burger recipe is a perfect fusion of comfort food and flavor-packed ingredients, creating a juicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying burger. Whether you’re grilling it for a weekend BBQ, cooking it on a weeknight, or preparing it for a gathering, these burgers will be the star of any meal.

The great thing about chicken burgers is their versatility — you can easily swap ingredients, change the cheese, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. These burgers are great for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier burger option without compromising on flavor.

Enjoy creating and sharing this recipe with family and friends, and feel free to experiment with new toppings and variations to make it your own.

Yield: 4

Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe

Print

Chicken burgers are an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a lighter alternative to beef patties, without sacrificing flavor or texture. This Ranch Cheddar Chicken Burger combines tender ground chicken, rich cheddar cheese, and the bold flavor of ranch seasoning for a burger that’s both juicy and full of flavor. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning for a summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 4 burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined (don’t overmix).
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties, pressing them slightly to make them even in thickness.
3. Cook Burgers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken patties and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the burgers are golden brown.
4. Assemble Burgers: Toast the burger buns in the skillet or oven while the burgers are cooking (optional but adds extra flavor). Place each cooked chicken patty on a bun and top with additional ranch dressing and any desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.).
5. Serve: Serve the burgers hot with your favorite side (fries, chips, or a salad).

Notes

• Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or switch it up with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Ranch Dressing: For extra flavor, try making your own homemade ranch dressing, or use a thicker version if you prefer.
• Bun Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can serve the burgers on lettuce wraps or whole-grain buns.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in chopped green onions or crispy bacon into the chicken mixture for an added crunch and flavor boost.
• Cooking Tip: Because chicken burgers can dry out quickly, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without going past it.