Description
A flavorful Smash Chicken Burger recipe featuring juicy ground chicken patties seasoned with smoked paprika and Cajun spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy mayo on toasted brioche buns. Perfect for a quick and delicious homemade burger experience ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of your choice), more if needed
Toppings and Assembly
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 strips bacon, cooked and cut in half (making 4 pieces)
- 2 brioche buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise, as needed
- Sriracha, as needed
- Red onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell pepper, diced green onion, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and finely chopped garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
- Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball to ensure even cooking and ease of smashing.
- Cook the Patties: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken balls onto the skillet and use a spatula to smash each ball flat into thin patties. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a crispy crust to form, then flip carefully.
- Add Cheese: Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese over each patty once flipped. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and let the cheese melt while the patties cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Toast and Prepare Buns: While the patties cook, toast the brioche buns until golden brown. Spread mayonnaise and drizzle sriracha sauce evenly over the cut sides of each bun half for a creamy and spicy kick.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place two cheesy chicken patties onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with sliced red onions and 2 crispy bacon pieces per burger. Top with the upper half of the buns and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For juicier patties, avoid over-mixing the chicken mixture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and sriracha to your preferred heat level.
- Use a flat spatula or burger press to smash the patties evenly.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Bacon can be omitted or replaced with vegetarian alternatives for a different twist.
