Smash Chicken Burger Recipe | Juicy, Crispy & Flavorful

I recently whipped up these smash chicken burgers for a quick family dinner, and I was genuinely shocked by how juicy they turned out compared to beef. The combination of seasoned ground chicken and that crispy smash technique creates a texture that rivals any restaurant burger I have ever tasted. It is amazing how a few simple spices and fresh veggies mixed right into the patty can completely transform lean meat into something so decadent.

Now that I have perfected the method, I find myself craving these lighter, flavorful burgers more than the traditional heavy beef ones. You are going to love how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight, and you can also enjoy creamy tuscan shrimp linguine recipe for another comforting meal option.

Ingredients Section

Here is everything you will need to recreate these mouthwatering burgers at home. I have broken down exactly why we use each item to ensure you get the best possible result.

1 lb ground chicken – This serves as the lean base for our patties, and while it is naturally lower in fat than beef, we will add moisture back in.
1 egg – This is crucial for binding the meat since chicken has less natural fat, ensuring your patties don’t fall apart in the pan.
1/4 cup breadcrumbs – These work alongside the egg to hold the shape of the patty while absorbing the flavorful juices so they stay inside the burger.
1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced – Adding fresh veggies inside the patty adds a subtle sweetness and a fantastic crunch that keeps the texture interesting.
2 tablespoons green onion, diced – This provides a mild onion flavor that permeates the meat without overpowering the other seasonings.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika – This gives the chicken a rich, smoky undertone that mimics the flavor of a charcoal grill, even when cooking indoors.
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning – This adds a nice kick of heat and savory spices, elevating the mild chicken flavor instantly.
1 teaspoon sea salt – Essential for drawing out flavors; feel free to adjust this amount based on your personal salt preference.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a classic sharp bite that balances the richness of the cheese and avocado oil.
2 cloves garlic, finely minced – Fresh garlic is always superior to powder here, providing a punchy aromatic quality to the meat mixture.
1 tablespoon avocado oil – This oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for searing the burgers at high heat without burning.
4 slices cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a necessary creamy, salty element to finish off the smashed patties.
2 strips bacon, cooked and halved – Everything is better with bacon, and the smoky crunch contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken patty.
2 brioche buns, toasted – Using a buttery, soft brioche bun holds up well to the juices and adds a hint of sweetness.
Mayo and Sriracha – Mixing these two creates a creamy, spicy sauce that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
Red onion, sliced – Thin slices of raw red onion provide a sharp, fresh bite that brightens up the entire sandwich.

Note: This recipe makes enough for 2 hearty double-patty burgers.

Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can easily tweak it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are several ways to customize your burger experience.

Dairy-Free Option
If you need to avoid dairy, simply swap the cheddar cheese for a high-quality vegan cheddar slice or a slice of creamy avocado. The avocado adds healthy fats and a rich texture that mimics cheese wonderfully. You should also ensure your brioche buns are dairy-free, or opt for a potato roll which is often naturally dairy-free.

Gluten-Free Adjustments
To make this gluten-free, replace the standard breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or even almond flour. Almond flour adds a nice nuttiness and keeps the carbs lower. Serve the burgers on gluten-free buns or wrap them in large leaves of iceberg lettuce for a fresh, crunch-heavy “protein style” burger.

Spice Level Control
If you are cooking for kids or prefer mild food, omit the Cajun seasoning and the Sriracha. You can replace the Cajun spice with a mixture of dried oregano and onion powder for a savory, herbal profile. Conversely, if you love heat, add diced jalapeños directly into the chicken mixture or top the burger with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Meat Alternatives
This “smash” technique works surprisingly well with other ground meats. Ground turkey is the closest substitute and works identically to chicken. For a richer flavor, you could use a mix of ground pork and chicken.

While beef is traditional, mixing in the bell peppers and onions as described here works best with poultry to keep it moist. For more chicken ideas, you can also try grilled chicken margherita recipe which brings a fresh and vibrant twist to weeknight meals.

Sauce Swaps
Not a fan of spicy mayo? Try a garlic aioli, a classic BBQ sauce, or a honey mustard spread. A simple mixture of ketchup and mayo (fry sauce) is also a crowd-pleaser that adds a nostalgic burger joint flavor profile.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Essential for retaining high heat to get a good sear on the patties.
Mixing Bowl: Used to combine the ground chicken, binder, and vegetables thoroughly.
Sharp Knife: Necessary for finely dicing the bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
Spatula: You need a sturdy, flat spatula to firmly smash the burger balls into the pan.
Cutting Board: A safe surface for chopping your vegetables and preparing toppings.

How to Make Smash Chicken Burger Recipe?

This recipe moves quickly once you start cooking, so having everything prepped is key. It brings restaurant quality right into your kitchen.
Here is the simple process to get that perfect smash burger crust.

Mix the Chicken Base

Start by placing your ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, diced veggies, and spices into a large bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat or the patties might become tough.

Form the Patties

Divide your seasoned meat mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. These balls are what you will place directly into the hot pan to smash later.

Heat the Skillet

Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil, letting it get shimmering hot. You want the pan hot enough that the meat sizzles immediately upon contact. This high heat is the secret to creating that delicious, caramelized crust.

Smash and Cook

Place the four chicken balls into the hot skillet giving them plenty of space. Immediately take your spatula and press down hard on each ball to flatten it into a thin patty. Cook these for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side to develop a sear.

Flip and Melt Cheese

Flip the patties over; you should see a nice golden-brown crust on the cooked side. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to start melting. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is gooey.

Prepare the Buns

While the chicken finishes cooking, grab your toasted brioche buns. Smear a generous amount of the mayonnaise and Sriracha mixture on both the top and bottom buns. This creates a moisture barrier and ensures every bite is full of spicy, creamy flavor.

Assemble the Burger

Stack two cheesy chicken patties onto the bottom bun for a double-decker experience. Top the patties with your crispy bacon strips and fresh red onion slices. Place the top bun on the stack and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always recommend using a cast-iron skillet if you have one because it holds heat better than non-stick, creating a much superior crust on the chicken.
I find that wetting your hands slightly with water or oil before rolling the chicken balls prevents the sticky meat mixture from clinging to your fingers.
I suggest preparing all your toppings before you start cooking the meat because the thin smash patties cook very fast and you want to assemble them hot.
I like to toast my buns in the same pan used for the bacon to absorb a little bit of that smoky bacon fat for extra flavor.

How to Serve Smash Chicken Burger Recipe?

Presentation is key to making this burger feel special. I like to serve these open-faced or secured with a long toothpick to hold all the delicious layers together.

For sides, you cannot go wrong with crispy air-fryer french fries or sweet potato wedges. If you want to keep it lighter, a crisp cucumber salad or coleslaw pairs beautifully with the savory richness of the burger. You can also garnish the plate with a pickle spear or some extra spicy mayo on the side for dipping. A cold lemonade or iced tea is the perfect beverage to cut through the spice of the Cajun seasoning and Sriracha.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick look at the nutrition profile for this indulgent meal.

Calories: 899 kcal
Protein: 61 g
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fat: 51 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating and Storing
If you have leftover cooked patties, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the buns and toppings separately so they do not get soggy.

Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the uncooked meat mixture balls for later use. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before smashing and cooking.

Reheating Tips
To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water and cover with a lid. This steams the meat slightly, helping it regain moisture and melt the cheese again without drying out. You can also microwave them, but the texture won’t be as good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Incredible Texture Contrast
You will love the combination of the crispy, seared edges of the chicken patty against the soft, pillowy brioche bun. The crunch of the fresh peppers inside the meat adds a surprise element that standard burgers lack.

Ideally Moist Chicken
Ground chicken often gets a bad reputation for being dry, but this recipe changes that completely. The addition of egg, breadcrumbs, and fresh vegetables locks in juices so every bite is succulent.

Customizable Spice Level
It is incredibly easy to adjust the heat to suit your family’s preference. Whether you want a fiery Cajun kick or a mild, savory herb flavor, the base recipe is a blank canvas.

Quick Weeknight Meal
With a total time of just 25 minutes, this feels like a gourmet cheat meal but fits perfectly into a busy schedule. It is faster than ordering delivery and significantly healthier since you control the ingredients.

Healthier Than Beef
For those trying to reduce red meat intake without sacrificing the “burger night” experience, this is the perfect solution. It satisfies that craving for a savory, cheesy sandwich using lean poultry.

Ash Tyrrell