BBQ Chicken Burger Recipe

A great burger can define a meal, a gathering, or even a summer. But when you take tender ground chicken, season it to perfection, smother it in smoky BBQ sauce, and sandwich it between two toasted buns with melty cheese and crisp toppings—now you’re not just making a burger. You’re making a statement.

The BBQ Chicken Burger is an answer to a craving many people don’t realize they have until that first bite: something grilled, smoky, saucy, and packed with juicy flavor—but lighter than your classic beef patty. It’s the perfect fusion of BBQ cookout flavor with the comfort and versatility of a chicken sandwich. With its sticky-sweet tang, savory heat, and a juicy, well-balanced texture, this burger is just as much at home on a summer picnic table as it is at a weeknight dinner or game-day spread.

Chicken burgers often get a bad reputation for being bland or dry—but not this one. This BBQ chicken burger is all about flavor layering: seasoned ground chicken enhanced with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, then grilled (or pan-seared) to juicy perfection and basted with a robust BBQ glaze. It’s then topped with cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda), crisp slaw or lettuce, pickles, and a toasted bun. Every bite offers contrast: the savory heat of the patty, the richness of the cheese, the zing of BBQ sauce, and the crunch of the toppings.

This long-form recipe guide dives deep—not just into how to make a perfect BBQ chicken burger, but why each ingredient and technique matters. You’ll learn tips for keeping lean ground chicken moist, how to build burger patties that won’t fall apart, the right cheese to enhance BBQ flavors, and a range of topping and bun options to make the dish your own. You’ll also find suggestions for grilled, pan-seared, or oven-baked methods so you can make these burgers year-round.

Whether you’re a grill master or a home cook trying to level up your burger game, this guide is your all-access pass to the BBQ chicken burger that delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

Let’s get cooking.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Ingredients for the Patties:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken (preferably thigh or a mix of thigh and breast for juiciness)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or red)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus extra for glazing)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred) or crushed crackers

• 1 large egg

Additional Ingredients:

• Cheese slices (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda)

• Burger buns (brioche, potato, or sesame)

• Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles, red onion rings

• Extra BBQ sauce for serving

• Optional: Coleslaw or crispy onions

Step 2: Prep Your Workstation

• Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic; set aside.

• Prepare a plate or tray for forming the patties.

• Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.

• Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet surface to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Burger Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the chopped onion and minced garlic.

2. Add the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which add moisture and flavor complexity.

3. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder for a smoky, mildly spicy profile.

4. Add the breadcrumbs and egg—these help bind the patties without drying them out.

5. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. Overmixing can make burgers tough.

Step 4: Form the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 4 or 6 equal portions, depending on preferred burger size.

2. Roll each portion gently into a ball, then flatten into a patty about ¾ inch thick and slightly wider than your bun (they’ll shrink during cooking).

3. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent puffing in the center as they cook.

4. Place the formed patties on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up, which aids in cooking evenly and reduces breakage.

Step 5: Cook the Patties

1. Place the patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, flipping carefully once.

2. While cooking, baste the top of each patty with additional BBQ sauce using a brush, allowing it to caramelize slightly without burning.

3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—this ensures safety while keeping them juicy.

4. During the last minute of cooking, add cheese slices on top of each patty, and cover the grill or pan with a lid or foil to melt the cheese thoroughly.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

1. While the patties finish cooking, split the burger buns and toast them lightly on the grill or in a skillet until golden and crisp.

2. Toasting adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy once assembled.

Step 7: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom bun.

2. Place the cheesy chicken patty on top.

3. Add desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and red onion rings.

4. For extra crunch and flavor, add coleslaw or crispy fried onions if desired.

5. Finish with the top bun, and optionally, add another small drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your BBQ Chicken Burgers immediately while warm and juicy, alongside your favorite sides like sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad.